In early childhood, although we are observant, curious and positive, we are unable to recall what we experienced during this time, such as the first words spoken, the first steps we took and the food we loved. Childhood amnesia (also known as infantile amnesia) is the inability to recall events that happened during the first two or three years of lifeThis phenomenon of memory loss has puzzled psychologists since the 19th century.
Personal memories begin to form between 24 and 36 months of age.
Childhood amnesia is a normal developmental process that can be seen as the beginning of memory. For many people, personal memories begin to form when they are between 24 and 36 months old. The beginning of memory requires a combination of the following processes.
The development of the brain
The cerebral cortex continues to mature during the first two years of life, with massive neuronal growth and increased myelination giving the cerebral cortex a memory function. The hippocampus, as the center of memory formation, has undergone considerable development in humans and other animals.
When neurons in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus are increased, new connections are replaced with new ones. Thus, the increase in neurons can actually disrupt the memories formed early in life by creating new synapses. For example, two-and-a-half-year-olds can easily recall an event that happened 6 months ago, but after two years they can't remember it.
Learn to remember what's important
Very young children are not interested in memory at all and just live a simple life. However, when we interact with the adults around us, we are taught that memory is important. Parents may ask us to reminisce about past holidays or ask what gifts we received at a recent birthday party. It was only at this point that we realizedMemorization should be practiced and mastered.
Know what is unique
Memories are drawn to important new things that happen in life, such as joy, trauma, and events where lessons were learned for the first time. However,When we were little children, we hadn't learned what was different and what was conformist. In the eyes of a child, everything stands out, nothing special.
Gain the concept of self
The type of memory that is missing in early childhood is autobiographical memory, which is information about the events we experience. However, children do not yet have a concept of self and therefore cannot remember their existence in these events. Therefore, we need to build a concept of self.
With age and memory accumulation,We acquire a more complex sense of self, which leads to the formation of more complex and intense autobiographical memories.
Incorporate memories into the narrative of life
As adults, we recall life as a series of periods and milestones, establishing a retrieval structure that facilitates recall. However, before we can make a basic narrative of life, perceived events move in and out of the cognitive system at will, and do not yet occupy a place in the memory space.
Very young children are often unable to narrate their daily lives, but when they do recognize a milestone, they will remember it later. For example, younger siblings are born earlier than any other category of events, and this memory begins as early as 24 months. The experience of hospitalization** can also be recalled in early childhood, even before the age of 3.
Information Processing
The information processing framework emphasizes the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. In this framework, memory is only effective if the retrieval work is consistent with the way the information was originally encoded. Since we can't recreate the coding environment of infancy and early childhood, retrieving clues doesn't work when we're older.
Language develops into memory
Most of our memories are structured and interpreted in wordsAs a result, memories created before learning a language are different and more difficult to retrieve. The onset of memory coincides with the onset of language, which has led some researchers to conclude that we need language to remember. However, long-forgotten memories are also easily retrieved through non-verbal cues, such as a distinctive scent, a ray of light that lingers on someone's face, or an old melody.
A comprehensive explanation of the beginning of memory.
The cortex and hippocampus, which are constantly growing and reconnecting, support specific cognitive achievements: acquiring the concept of the self, knowing that memory is an important thing, discovering unique events, applying newly acquired memories, learning to narrate everyday life. This combination of physiological and cognitive development allows memory to begin.
Reorienting the perception of early memories can help with recall later in life.
Revisiting childhood amnesia as the beginning of memory not only reorients the understanding of child development, but also helps to enhance recall functions later in life. First of all, we can incorporate what happened into the narrative of daily life in the form of a diary; secondly, to detect the results through conscious reflection; Thirdly, by focusing on the original perceptual and emotional experience, the retrieval strategy is matched to the original coding environment.
Message**: Beijing Youth Daily.
Statement |This article is only for communication and learning, if the font or ** used in the article infringes on your rights and interests, please inform us to delete.