Opinion/Research One Page Paper

Jasmine Ross

Dr. Sterling Claypoole

General Psychology

February 25, 2021

In essence, flashbulb memories relate to the vivid, as well as consistent memories we experience and that relate to a personally significant and emotional event. This kind of memory is so detailed that it includes where we were and what we were doing at that particular point in time when the event occurred to us. Analogically, it can be related to a photograph taken and stored in our memories and which we reminisce the very emotions we had at that point in time (Bernstein, 2016).

It is important to note that everyday events do not end up being classified as our flashbulb memories. For a historical event to be categorized as a flashbulb memory, then the vent must have captured our very attention and must have evoked strong personal emotions as well as connections. This kind of strong cultural connection to the event gives rise to a strong emotional reaction. Also, it is important to note that while many individuals may experience the same event, the development of the personal cultural connections, and strong emotional reactions thereafter, develops differently for different individuals (Bernstein, 2016).

Altogether, regardless of our individual connections to the event, each person’s flashbulb memory has vivid details of the event. The remembrance of these details comes with so much ease to everyone who has a flashbulb memory. While these memories may have more details than memories of everyday events, the details of flashbulb memories may not be completely accurate (Bernstein, 2016).

At a personal level, I could think of instances in the past that have led to my flashbulb memories. One such instance was when my parents renewed their marriage vows just a few years ago. I remember sitting on the church bench and seeing them rekindle the love that had been there for so many years in the past; I could not help but think of how blissful it must be for people to be together for that long and still commit to each other for the years to come (Bernstein, 2016).

References

Bernstein, A, D. (2016). Psychology: Foundations and Frontiers. Cengage Learning.