Why Do We Remember Bad Memories More than Good Memories?

The video explores why negative memories are often more vivid and persistent than positive ones. It discusses research by Kensinger and Schachter on emotional memory recall, highlighting that negative experiences are remembered with more detail. The brain's hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex play key roles in this process, with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol enhancing memory recall. This tendency has evolutionary roots, helping us prepare for future threats. While negative memories are emphasized, positive experiences are also stored, serving as a balance in our memory system.

What are some common emotional responses people experience when recalling negative memories?

What did the study by Kensinger and Schachter reveal about the memory of emotionally charged events?

How do the hippocampus and amygdala work together in the context of emotional memory?

Why might it be evolutionarily advantageous for humans to remember negative experiences more vividly?

In what ways can both negative and positive memories serve a purpose in our lives?