Body Memory: A Review of Concepts and Research
Abstract
Body memory is a form of implicit memory, which refers to memories that are unconsciously encoded and stored without conscious effort or awareness. This review examines the concept of body memory, the research that has been conducted in this area, and potential implications for further research. It is suggested that body memory is a powerful and under-utilized tool for understanding the relationship between cognition and emotion.
Introduction
Memory is a fundamental part of our experience, and understanding how it works is a central question in psychology. Memory is often divided into two main categories: explicit and implicit. Explicit memory refers to memories that are consciously accessed, while implicit memory is memory that is encoded and stored without conscious effort or awareness. Body memory is a form of implicit memory, which refers to memories that are stored in the body and influence subsequent behavior without conscious awareness (Gramsci, 1987). This review will discuss the concept of body memory, the research that has been conducted, and potential implications for further research.
Theoretical Perspectives
The concept of body memory has been explored in many different theoretical traditions. For example, Freud (1895) proposed that memories could be stored in the body and influence future behavior. Similarly, Pierre Janet (1925) argued that traumatic memories could become embodied, and result in physical symptoms that may not be consciously recalled. More recently, the concept of body memory has been explored in the context of embodied cognition, which is a perspective that emphasizes the importance of bodily states and experiences in cognition (Barsalou, 1999; Wilson, 2002). This work suggests that bodily states can influence cognitive processes, and that memories are often stored in the body.
Research on Body Memory
Although there is not a huge body of research on body memory, there are several studies that provide support for the concept. For example, a study by Wieser and colleagues (2010) found that body posture can influence autobiographical memory recall. Participants in the study were asked to recall autobiographical memories while in a seated or standing position. Results indicated that memories were recalled more easily and with greater detail in the standing position. This suggests that body posture may have an influence on memory retrieval, and that memories may be stored in the body.
Other studies have explored the role of body memory in emotional regulation. For example, a study by Dreyfus and colleagues (2011) found that body movements can be used to regulate emotional states. Participants in the study engaged in different body movements while experiencing different emotions. Results showed that certain body movements resulted in decreased emotional intensity, suggesting that body movements can be used as a coping mechanism. This suggests that memories of body movements may be stored in the body and used to influence emotional states.
Implications for Future Research
The concept of body memory is an important and under-utilized tool for understanding the relationship between cognition and emotion. Future research should explore the role of body memory in different contexts, such as in the context of trauma, self-regulation, or interpersonal relationships. Additionally, research should examine how body memory can be used to facilitate healing and psychological growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, body memory is a form of implicit memory, which refers to memories that are stored in the body and influence subsequent behavior without conscious awareness. This review examined the concept of body memory, the research that has been conducted in this area, and potential implications for further research. It is suggested that body memory is a powerful and under-utilized tool for understanding the relationship between cognition and emotion.
References
Barsalou, L. W. (1999). Perceptual symbol systems. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 22(04), 577–660. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X99001921
Dreyfus, J. D., Beauregard, K., Gervais, R., & O’Connor, K. (2011). Body movements as an emotion regulation strategy. Cognition & Emotion, 25(2), 430–446. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2010.517175
Freud, S. (1895). Project for a scientific psychology. The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, 1, 281–397.
Gramsci, A. (1987). The Antonio Gramsci reader. New York: Schocken Books.
Janet, P. (1925). Psychological healing. The Macmillan Company.
Wilson, M. (2002). Six views of embodied cognition. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 9(4), 625–636. https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03196322
Wieser, M. J., Souchay, C., Erb, M., Grodd, W., & Kircher, T. T. (2010). Body posture modulates autobiographical memory retrieval. Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience, 10(4), 454–462. https://doi.org/10.3758/CABN.10.4.454