Why Our Brains Cling to Bad Memories
Briefly

Negative memories resonate more vividly than positive ones due to evolutionary mechanisms prioritizing survival. Neuroscientific investigation reveals that emotional memories, particularly harmful events, activate specific brain networks, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex more intensely than positive memories. This physiological response enhances encoding and recall to better prepare individuals against threats. Research suggests variability in how people recall trauma can arise from genetic differences. Thus, the prevalence of negative memory can be understood as an adaptive trait, ensuring humans learn and remember potential dangers.
Negative experiences are etched into our memories with striking clarity, as our brain has developed mechanisms to prioritize these memories for survival.
The triad of the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex engages robustly in threatening situations, ensuring that negative memories are strongly encoded and easily retrieved.
Read at Psychology Today
[
|
]