ABSTRACT
The experience of memory typically includes both cognitive and emotional components. How, then, can a memory at some times be consciously represented and experienced with little felt emotion, whereas at other times the same memory may evoke pangs of searing feeling? A prolonged intense mood can occur following a percept, yet the individual can be unaware that the memory of a past trauma has been nonconsciously activated. In contrast, persons during denial phases of stress response syndromes, in particular the post-traumatic stress disorders, may have conscious recollection of the fright, injury, or loss while remaining emotionally flat or numb. Traumatic events may be recalled with unusual dissociation or discordance between ideas and feelings.
