Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Flashbulb memories are highly detailed snapshots of moments and circumstances surrounding shocking or emotionally charged events that remain clear and vivid in one's mind for a lifetime.
Related terms
Emotional Memory: A type of long-term memory where we store previous personal experiences that provoked an emotional reaction.
Autobiographical Memory: These are memories about ourselves and our personal history, often tied to strong emotions, similar to flashbulb memories but not necessarily shocking or surprising.