OPEN ACCESS
PEER-REVIEWED
Conceptual Study – Published: December 27, 2024
Tears, Joy, and Recall: The Emotional Chemistry of Memory
Mrs. Selvi Anita Mary.G
ABSTRACT
Memory is not a passive record of events but an emotionally driven process shaped by the
interplay of brain structures and neurochemicals. This article explores how emotions such
as joy, fear, and sadness influence memory formation, consolidation, and retrieval.
The amygdala and hippocampus, along with neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin,
and cortisol, act as key mediators in strengthening or distorting memories. Positive
emotions enhance learning and cognitive flexibility, while negative emotions can create
vivid flashbulb memories or fragmented recollections in cases of trauma. The paper also
highlights the broader role of emotional memory in identity, therapy, mental health, and
social connection. Ultimately, emotions serve as both the glue and the filter of memory,
shaping not only what we remember but also how those memories guide our behaviour
and resilience.
Keywords: Emotion, Memory, Emotional Arousal, Recall, Emotional Chemistry
This is an Open Access Research distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any Medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received: October 07, 2024;
Revision Received: November 09, 2024;
Accepted: December 27, 2024.
Responding Author: Mrs. Selvi Anita Mary.G @ selvianitamary@gmail.com
ORCID:
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4884-8884
Article Overview: ISSN: 0974-2123 |
DOI
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Published in Volume 17, Issue 2, July – December, 2024