What type of memory is often vivid and associated with stress?

The type of memory that is often vivid and associated with stress is emotional memories. These memories are formed in response to emotionally charged events, particularly those that induce strong feelings such as fear, anxiety, joy, or sadness. When an individual experiences a significant emotional event, the brain often encodes that memory more deeply, leading to its vividness. Stressful situations trigger the release of stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, which enhance the consolidation of memories. Consequently, people often remember the details of stressful experiences more clearly than less significant events.

In the context of veterinary practice, understanding emotional memories is crucial as it pertains to how animals perceive and react to their experiences in a clinic setting. Stressful visits can lead to lasting emotional memories that influence an animal's future behavior during veterinary visits, highlighting the importance of implementing Fear Free techniques to minimize stress and improve overall experiences for both pets and their owners.