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The Salience and Impact of Negative Experiences on Memory and Trauma
Negative experiences and emotions are more salient and memorable as they are associated with safety and survival. The brain prioritizes the retention of negative events to ensure safety in similar future situations. Traumatic events can remain immediately distressing even after many years as the brain seeks reassurance of safety before letting go of the memory. This salience of traumatic stimuli is a way for the unconscious mind to prioritize safety and ensure survival into the next moment.