How emotional memory works and its influence on decision-making?
Emotional memory is a brain
function that stores not only facts but also the emotions associated with those
facts. This memory is essential for our everyday decisions, as emotions play a
key role in how we remember and evaluate past experiences, directly influencing
our future choices.
The Amygdala and Hippocampus
The amygdala is responsible for
processing emotions, especially those related to fear and pleasure, while the
hippocampus is responsible for storing explicit memories, meaning the details
of experiences. When we have an emotionally intense experience, the amygdala
activates the hippocampus, which strengthens the memory of that event, making
it more vivid and lasting.
This explains why memories
associated with strong emotions, such as an important argument or a significant
achievement, tend to remain clear in our minds for years, while more neutral
events quickly fade. This connection between the amygdala and hippocampus is
what makes our emotions play a crucial role in decision-making.
Influence of Emotional Memory on
Decision-Making
The emotions we associate with
memories directly influence our present choices. For example, if we made a poor
decision in the past and experienced a negative feeling, such as embarrassment
or guilt, our brain will warn us when we face a similar situation, making us
more cautious or preventing us from repeating the same mistake. Conversely,
positive emotions associated with a success or achievement can drive us to
repeat certain behaviors.
This influence is not always
beneficial. At times, emotional memory can distort our perception of reality, leading
us to make impulsive or irrational decisions based on past experiences instead
of objectively evaluating the current situation.
Do You Feel Your Past Emotions
Are Affecting Your Current Decisions?
If you find that emotions tied to
past events are negatively influencing your daily life and decision-making, it
is time to seek professional help. We offer support to explore and manage your
emotional memories, helping you make more conscious and healthier decisions.
RewPaz
