Exploring Childhood Memories Can Change Them
When we dive into childhood memories during therapy, we may unknowingly alter these memories. A recent study has found that discussing specific emotional experiences, especially our early relationships with our parents, can subtly reshape our recollection of those moments.
Recalling Emotions Isn’t Always Accurate
Researchers at the University of Portsmouth observed that when people are asked to describe their childhood interactions with their parents, they don’t always remember the exact feelings they had back then. Instead of pulling up “frozen-in-time” memories, they tend to interpret or even alter these experiences based on their current thoughts and emotions. This means that our memories are more like stories we retell—and change—than a precise record of the past.
Therapy and Self-Understanding
This discovery has significant implications for therapy and self-reflection. Many people explore their pasts to make sense of who they are today, often relying on memories for insights. If those memories are altered simply by recalling them, it can influence how people view their personal history and impact their emotional health. Recognizing this, therapists might approach memory work with added care, helping clients focus on present feelings and perceptions that shape past recollections.
Memories Are Malleable, Not Fixed
This study adds to growing research on the fluid nature of human memory. Rather than a flawless record, our memories are more like a book that gets rewritten with each retelling. Understanding this helps therapists, researchers, and individuals gain a clearer view of memory’s role in emotional healing and self-discovery. This awareness encourages us to reflect on how we interpret our memories today and how those interpretations affect our well-being.
Source: University of Portsmouth – Talking About Parents in Therapy and Memory Distortion
