Examining Experiences Related to Episodic Memory in Emo-tional Situations: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study
Keywords:
Episodic memory, emotions, thematic analysis, phenomenology, emotional experiences, decision-making, personal relationshipsAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine experiences related to episodic memory in emotional situations.
Methods and Materials: This research was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological approach, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 17 residents of Tehran. Participants were aged between 20 and 45 years, and the sample was selected purposefully. Nvivo software was used for data analysis, and thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data.
Findings: The findings revealed that emotional experiences have significant impacts on episodic memory. Emotional situations can either enhance or distort memory, making specific event details more prominent. Additionally, social factors and self-awareness play a substantial role in memory recall and interpretation. Episodic memory also has notable influences on decision-making and personal relationships.
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that episodic memory is not only a cognitive process but also influenced by emotional experiences. This study can contribute to a better understanding of the cognitive-emotional interactions in human memory and may be useful in the development of therapeutic and counseling methods
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