Do memories last longer than others due to the feeling you have when you expierence the event?

Question

will a sad memory be easier to remember then a happy memory?

Answer 1

Memories which were exceptional , either in a tragedy or happiness are the easiest to remember. The ones which cause the most emotion.

Answer 2

The longevity of memories depends on the actual physical impression they make on the brain. Sad and joyful memories have equal strength. A joyful moment, like the birth of a child or a wedding will be remembered as long as something sad, like a death. In both cases, the actual feeling eases off, but never really goes away. This is what we must deal with in our lifetimes. I wish you many more happy than sad moments in your life.

Answer 3

I would say the strength of the emotion itself would directly correlate with the ability to remember it. Whether sad, happy or terrifying I would think their intensity would be the most important factor.
Last night at work I found myself singing an old tune over and over. It brought a good feeling to me. My teammate asked me why I was singing that particular tune. I told her I didn't know why, but something said to me seemed to have sparked a memory in me about it. I don't remember the event associated with the song, but I remember the feeling.
By the way, it was an old country tune and I hate country music.

Answer 4

Memories always stay with you be they sad or happy. However, those happy memories always bring a smile to your face, but it time, the sad ones stop hurting so much and you sometimes think of the happy times instead involving the person.

Answer 5

Not the type of feeling (sad vs. happy) as much as the intensity of the feeling at the time. You'll never forget your first kiss and your wedding day much like you'll never forget where you were when you found out a family member died.

Although, in extremely traumatic situations the brain can block out memories completely to help cope.

Answer 6

YES! Sad memories can come back like a wave, especially when triggered by a sense. [Smelling fresh baked cookies brings you back to the Dear old Gramma you lost.] Music has that affect on me...lol. Lots of songs [especially sad ones] bring memories back.
The thing is whether you dwell on them.

Answer 7

I think the intensity of the feeling is what makes some memories last longer. Inters happiness, sadness, fear....

Answer 8

It has recently been noted that an increase in adrenaline will cause the events at that moment to be remembered far better than those that are not accompanied by a rush of adrenaline.

Answer 9

The theory is that the stronger the emotional tie to the memory, the easier it is to remember and stick in your mind.

Answer 10

Normally sad memory much more easier to remember becoz it hurt our feelings.......