However, more research into retrieval practice is necessary to understand how it may help with forgetting unwanted memories. A 2022 study suggests that retrieval suppression can help to control intrusive memories by weakening them and making them less vivid. However, while it could strengthen new memories and reduce old memory intrusion, it may not be able to suppress older memories.Īlternatively, other research suggests that using retrieval suppression, the prevention, or suppression, of the ability to recall memories, could also help block unwanted memories. Similar to how people may forget information and update it with more relevant knowledge, such as when changing passwords or phone numbers, retrieval practice may help people update memories.Ī 2020 study indicates that using retrieval practice could help to facilitate memory updating. Some experts theorize that this technique could help people to replace unwanted memories. Research notes that this effective study method can help people remember information. Retrieval practice describes the strategy of recalling or retrieving information from memory. By disturbing the memory, it was more difficult for the element of fear to return so easily. The researchers suggest that initial exposure made the memory unstable, and longer exposure leads to the person saving the memory in a weaker form. By the last session, people had a lesser tendency to avoid spiders. In the study, researchers exposed individuals with arachnophobia to images of spiders, with subsequent sessions involving longer exposure. Similarly, a 2016 study indicates that disrupting a memory can reduce its strength. This involves exposing the individual to a fearful situation in a safe environment to help them create a safe memory. Weakening memories that cause phobiasĪ treatment option for people living with a phobia may include exposure therapy. Changing how a person thinks about a situation can modify how they may feel about it.Īdditionally, a 2016 study suggests that changing contextual information about an event could make it possible for a person to intentionally forget an unwanted memory. This strategy may work through the process of cognitive regulation. By associating a positive experience with the memory, a person can change the context of that event and induce a positive feeling when remembering the event in the future. Often, it may include sense-related cues, such as smell or taste, the external environment, and the thoughts or feelings a person experiences around the event.Ī 2021 study found that attaching a positive meaning to a past negative experience can have a long lasting impact. Context can be anything that is associated with memory. The mental context in which a person perceives an event affects how the mind organizes the memories of that event. Gaining a better understanding of how people can substitute an unwanted memory may help people to avoid reliving a traumatic event. Experts sometimes describe this technique as similar to slamming on the brakes in a car or steering to avoid a hazard. This technique suggests that people can substitute a negative memory by redirecting their consciousness toward an alternative memory. Some people may consider using thought or memory substitution strategies to help them suppress unwanted memories. This theory suggests that people can block unpleasant, painful, or traumatic memories if there is a motivation to do so. Some evidence supports the theory of motivated forgetting. While more research is necessary, neuroscientists and psychologists may be able to use this information to help people forget unwanted memories. Researchers can better understand neuronal mechanisms that create and store memories by investigating and studying the human mind.
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