The phenomenon of human memory includes various factors to be considered and can be observed from many different angles. This paper focuses mainly on such aspects of it as flashbulb memories that seem to be a remarkably engaging and well-researched issue. The phenomenon of flashbulb memories is closely linked to other types of memory and represents a mixture of feelings and emotions depending on particular shocking news (Luminet & Curci, (2017), p. 18). That is why it is considered interesting to make some assumptions based on scientific data and to analyze a personal example.
Firstly, it seems significant to define the notions of memory and flashbulb memories in particular. According to Feldman (2019), memory can be comprehended as “the process by which we encode, store, and retrieve information” (p. 202). In other words, human memory is a mixture of processes that happen to the information which people consumed at some point in their past and consume during their life.
As for flashbulb memories (or FBMs), they are special memories that a person has according to the moment in that they found out about shocking and consequential news or event (Mushtaq & Riaz, (2019), p. 773). Such type of memories is often compared with a snapshot – one recalls a surprisingly detailed description of what happened to them and what surrounded them in a particular moment when they heard or read some news.
Although flashbulb memories represent many details about a particular time, studies show that these details tend to be rather inaccurate, especially if news or event was emotional. What is more, despite being exceptional for people’s brain, such type of memories was proved to be declining with the same speed as commonplace memories (Hirst & Phelps, (2016), p. 37). In addition, people tend to confuse flashbulb memories with time, so that a person cannot tell precisely the difference between the first and the second times they heard the news. Therefore, it can be accepted that such type of memories has a lot in common with usual memories, yet differ by its nature.
As for a personal example of flashbulb memory, I will focus on my memory connected with the death of my grandfather. In fact, I remember these events not completely vividly, yet I can recall some parts with surprising clarity. To begin with, I was 11 or 12 years old, and I was spending summer holidays at my grandparents’. One morning I was in the bathroom when I heard my grandmother speaking on the phone, I did not pay much attention then. However, the moment I went to the kitchen, I remember tremendously vividly, as I saw my grandmother’s sad face, and her words were simple but not understandable – “something terrible happened.”
I recall thinking even in an irritated manner about what could have happened. Although, when she told me that my grandfather died, it was suddenly for me, and I understand now that I had not realized it entirely until a few days later. The case is I was very close to my grandfather, and the situation was so striking and unbelievable that I remember even my too peaceful time spending like collecting a puzzle the day before the funeral.
Only in the evening did I cry, but it was my strongest and most memorable tears ever. Even now, many years later, I am still able to recall a lot of small details, although I cannot deny that I do not remember everything. Therefore, it is possible to note that flashbulb memories are real and strongly felt, especially if they are connected with some painful events.
All in all, one should note that the phenomenon of flashbulb memories is a considerably interesting part of psychology. Many factors affect the process of formation and deformation of such memories, which is also a remarkable point. From the personal example, it is now understood that not only can flashbulb memories appear as a result of the consumption of public news, but they can also be formed because of deep personal worries about an event in one’s life.
References
Feldman, R. S. (2019). Understanding psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Hirst, W., & Phelps, E. A. (2016). Flashbulb memories. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 25(1), 36-41.
Luminet, O., & Curci, A. (Eds.). (2017). Flashbulb memories: New challenges and future perspectives. Psychology Press.
Mushtaq, M., & Riaz, M. N. (2019). Development and validation of Flashbulb Memories Scales for mental health patients. Rawal Medical Journal, 44(4), 773-776.