Research on Emotion and Memory

Research on emotion and memory explores how our feelings influence our ability to remember information. Studies show that emotional experiences—both positive and negative—can strengthen memories, making them more vivid and lasting. Brain regions like the amygdala and hippocampus work together to encode emotionally charged events more effectively. Conversely, intense negative emotions can sometimes impair memory accuracy. Understanding this interplay helps explain why certain memories feel more intense and how emotions shape our personal histories, with implications for mental health, education, and therapies addressing traumatic memories.