Breaking Down the CoreMemory Trend: What is a Core Memory?

You might have seen social media abuzz with the #corememory trend stemming from Inside Out and the new Inside Out 2 release.

But what exactly is this #corememory trend and what can we learn about it when it comes to therapy and self-care?

Understanding the Concept of the core memory Trend

At its essence, a core memory is a profoundly influential experience that shapes who we are and how we view the world. These memories are not just fleeting moments but foundational building blocks of our identity and behaviour.

Unlike everyday memories that may fade or lose significance over time, core memories remain vivid and continue to influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions throughout our lives.

These memories often form during childhood or adolescence, but they can also develop in adulthood during particularly impactful moments.

What sets core memories apart from regular memories is their profound emotional intensity and long-lasting impact. They often represent turning points in our lives or moments that crystallize important aspects of our identity.

A core memory might be the first time you felt truly accepted by your peers or the moment you realized your passion for a particular field of study or career.

It’s important to note that the term “core memory” doesn’t stem from science but from the movie itself. Throughout this article, we’ll be using the term to discuss its more scientific roots.

Complexes in Psychology

The concept of core memories has its roots in various psychological theories that have evolved. While the exact term "core memory" may be relatively new in popular culture, the idea of significant experiences shaping personality and behaviour has been a cornerstone of psychological thought for decades.

One of the key contributors to this field was Carl Jung, who introduced the concept of complexes – clusters of emotionally charged memories, thoughts, and patterns of behaviour that significantly influence an individual's life.

Similarly, Sigmund Freud's work on early childhood experiences and their impact on adult behaviour laid the groundwork for understanding the long-term effects of significant memories.

More recently, attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth, emphasized the importance of early relationships and experiences in shaping an individual's attachment style and future relationships.

These theories have contributed to our understanding of how early experiences can become “core memories” that influence our behaviour and relationships throughout life.

In contemporary psychology, the concept of core memories plays a crucial role in various therapeutic approaches. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for instance, often involves identifying and reframing core beliefs that stem from significant life experiences.

How Popular Culture Shaped Our Understanding of Core Memories

The concept of core memories gained significant traction in popular culture with the release of Pixar's animated film "Inside Out" in 2015. This movie brilliantly visualized the idea of core memories as glowing orbs that power aspects of the main character's personality.

While this representation is a simplification of complex psychological processes, it provides a relatable and accessible way for people to understand the impact of significant memories on our identities.

It's important to note that while these popular culture depictions have increased awareness, they can sometimes oversimplify or romanticize the concept of core memories. In reality, the formation and impact of significant memories are far more complex and nuanced than what can be portrayed in a movie or TV show.

The Difference Between the #corememory Concept and Regular Memories

Core memories differ from regular memories in several key ways. Firstly, core memories are characterized by their intense emotional impact and long-lasting significance. While we may forget what we had for lunch last Tuesday, what the movie deems as a “core memory” from years ago can remain vivid and emotionally charged.

The emotional intensity of these more impactful memories often leads to their long-lasting impact on our behaviour and decision-making processes. For example, a particularly positive experience with public speaking in childhood might become a core memory that shapes a person's confidence in similar situations throughout their life.

The Science Behind (Core) Memories

While the concept of core memories has gained popularity in mainstream culture, it's essential to understand the scientific basis behind these significant memories. Neuroscience and psychology provide valuable insights into how our brains form, store, and retrieve memories, especially those with lasting emotional impact.

Neuroscience and Memory Formation

Memory formation is a complex process involving various regions of the brain. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in consolidating short-term memories into long-term storage. When we experience something significant, our brain's amygdala, which processes emotions, works in tandem with the hippocampus to create a strong, lasting memory.

Recent neuroscientific research has shown that repeated recall of memory can strengthen neural pathways, making the memory more resilient and easily accessible. This process, known as reconsolidation, may explain why core memories remain vivid and influential over time. Each time we revisit a core memory, we potentially reinforce its importance in our minds.

Interestingly, studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have revealed increased activity in the amygdala and hippocampus when individuals recall emotionally significant memories. This heightened brain activity suggests that core memories may be processed and stored differently than everyday memories.

The Role of Emotion in Creating Core Memories

When we experience intense emotions, our brains release neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which enhance memory formation. This process, known as emotional tagging, helps explain why we tend to remember emotionally charged events more vividly than neutral ones.

Positive emotions, such as joy or excitement, can create core memories that serve as sources of motivation and happiness throughout our lives. Conversely, negative emotions like fear or sadness can lead to the formation of core memories that may contribute to anxiety or depression if left unprocessed.

The emotional impact of a memory can change over time. What once felt like a devastating failure might later be reframed as a valuable learning experience, altering the emotional tag associated with that core memory.

Are Core Memories Scientifically Valid?

While the concept of core memories aligns with many established psychological theories and neuroscientific findings, it's important to approach the idea with some nuance.

The term "core memory" itself is not a formal scientific classification but rather a useful construct for understanding the impact of significant experiences on our psyche.

Current scientific evidence supports the idea that certain memories can have a profound and lasting impact on our behaviour and personality. However, the exact mechanisms by which these memories become "core" to our identity are still being studied.

One challenge in scientifically validating core memories is the subjective nature of personal experiences. What constitutes a core memory for one person may not hold the same significance for another. Additionally, our memories are not always reliable and can be influenced by various factors, including our current emotional state and subsequent experiences.

How Therapy Can Help Process and Understand “Core Memories”

Therapy provides a safe and structured environment for exploring, understanding, and processing core memories. Professional guidance can be invaluable in navigating the complex emotions and lasting impacts associated with these significant experiences.

Therapeutic Approaches to Exploring Significant Memories

Various therapeutic approaches can be effective in working with core memories. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a popular technique that can help individuals identify how core memories have shaped their beliefs and behaviours, and work on reframing negative thought patterns associated with these memories.

Our therapists also have focused in Anxiety Therapy, Depression Therapy and more to tailor your session to your specific needs.

Using Core Memories as a Tool for Personal Growth

Core memories can inform our aspirations and help us set meaningful personal and professional goals.

Working through the emotions associated with core memories can lead to greater emotional resilience. Recognizing how core memories influence our actions allows us to make more conscious choices.

When to Seek Professional Help for Memory-Related Issues

When thoughts about certain memories become intrusive or obsessive, therapy can provide coping strategies.

Even without acute distress, therapy can offer valuable insights for those wishing to explore their core memories more deeply.

At Access Therapy, our Hamilton therapists understand that seeking help for memory-related issues can feel daunting, and know that there’s never a one-size-fits-all approach to processing memories.  Whether you're curious about exploring your core memories or struggling with their impact, schedule a free consultation today so we can support you on your journey of self-discovery and personal growth.