What Are Core Memories and How Do They Affect Us?

PDF download Download Article
What science says about core memories
PDF download Download Article

You’re scrolling through TikTok when you come across a sweet video captioned with #corememory—what’s that? A core memory is an emotional moment in your life that tends to resurface. The term became popular with the success of Disney Pixar’s film Inside Out and has since found its way into nostalgic and sappy social media posts. In this article, we’ll fill you in on everything there is to know about core memories, including whether they’re real or not.

Core Memory Definition

A core memory is a moment in your life that’s said to shape who you are. Highly emotional moments, both good and bad, may be more likely to become core memories. Core memories may influence your perspective, actions, and opinions, but don't necessarily affect your personality.

Section 1 of 5:

What are core memories?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Core memories aren’t a clinical or real concept in neuroscience. The term comes from Disney Pixar’s 2015 movie Inside Out . The movie defines core memories as special memories that significantly impact a person’s personality. [1] You might see #corememory on social media when someone uploads videos or pictures highlighting a nostalgic or important moment in their lives.
    • Unlike in the movie, people can have more than 5 core memories and they aren't always clearly tied to different emotions, like joy, sadness, anger, disgust, or fear.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Do core memories affect your personality?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Unlike Pixar’s Inside Out , in the real world, your memories don’t define who you are. The American Psychological Association defines “personality” as “the enduring characteristics and behavior that comprise a person’s unique adjustment to life, including major traits, interests, drives, [and] values.” [2] The life experiences and memories you have can influence you, but they don’t ultimately determine who you’ll be.
    • For instance, in the movie, Riley ( Inside Out ’s main character) loses a core memory called Goofball Island. When this happens, she becomes less of a goofball, appearing more serious and sad. This isn’t the case in real life. While you may “lose” or forget memories, it doesn’t mean you’ll change.
    • An experience or memory may change your perspective or outlook on life (such as a first kiss or a scary accident), but it doesn’t impact your overall personality.
Section 3 of 5:

Can you predict core memories?

PDF download Download Article
  1. There’s no way to ultimately know if something you experience will be a core memory. While something may seem important at the moment, it might be something you forget later. Memories are created through a biological process and can be triggered by different things, which is why you can’t know for certain which will continue to stand out as you get older. [3]
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

Can you create a core memory?

PDF download Download Article
  1. While you may not be able to predict a core memory, you can influence which memories stick with you the longest. Memory is about connections, and the stronger those connections are, the easier it is to remember. [4] Here are some ways you can create longer lasting memories:
    • Think about moments you want to remember often. The more you think about the memory, the easier it’ll be to remember.
    • Connect memories to other things. Listening to a specific song, eating a type of food, or smelling a particular perfume can help trigger memories. [5]
    • Take pictures and videos. Give yourself something to look back on to keep a memory alive and fresh.
    • Sleep well. When you sleep, your mind processes and stores memories, helping you remember them later. [6]
    Brene Brown, Author & Professor of Social Work

    Nurture your favorite meaningful memories. "A "picture memory" is a picture I take in my mind when I’m really, really happy. I close my eyes and take a picture, so when I’m feeling sad or scared or lonely, I can look at my picture memories."

Section 5 of 5:

Are core memories always happy?

PDF download Download Article
  1. While TikTok and other social media platforms can make core memories seem joyful, that’s not always the case. Anything meaningful (whether good or bad) can be a core memory—sad, fearful, and angry memories can impact you. More often than not, traumatic memories are the ones that influence your experiences and perspective the most. [7]
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Why Does My Body Feel High When I’m Not?
      Signs Someone Lacks Self-Awareness and What to Do About It
      Daddy Issues and How They Affect Men
      How to
      Ignore a Narcissist & How They’ll Respond
      13 Telltale Signs Someone Doesn't Respect You
      13 Signs of Mental Weakness (& How to Build Mental Toughness)
      What is a Fragile Ego? Definition & 9 Ways to Spot One
      How to
      Not Let Your Life Revolve Around Your Boyfriend
      9 Reasons Why You or Someone You Know Rocks Back and Forth
      How to
      Recover Repressed Memories
      How to
      Tell If Your Girlfriend Is Toxic
      How False Accusations in a Relationship Impact Your Mental Health
      How to
      Get Away From a Narcissist
      How to
      Simulate Cuddling
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aasurg.org/blog/core-memories-surgery/
      2. ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/personality
      3. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/inside-the-science-of-memory
      4. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/inside-the-science-of-memory
      5. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/tips-to-retrieve-old-memories
      6. ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/04/sleep-it
      7. ↑ https://www.aasurg.org/blog/core-memories-surgery/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 8,722 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement