Definition and attributes of the emotional memory images underlying psychophysiological dis-ease

Abstract

BackgroundPreviously, we proposed a “Split-second Unlearning” model to explain how emotional memories could be preventing clients from adapting to the stressors of daily living, thus forming a barrier to learning, health and well-being. We suggested that these emotional memories were mental images stored inside the mind as ‘emotional memory images’ (EMIs).ObjectiveTo elaborate on the nature of these emotional memory images within the context of split-second learning and unlearning and the broader field of psychoanalysis, to initiate a conversation among scholars concerning the path that future healthcare research, practice, and policy should take.MethodA narrative review of the attributes of EMIs utilizing relevant and contentious research and/or scholarly publications on the topic, facilitated by observations and approaches used in clinical practice. Results: We propose a refined definition of EMIs as Trauma induced, non-conscious, contiguously formed multimodal mental imagery, which triggers an amnesic, anachronistic, stress response within a split-second. The systematic appraisal of each attribute of an EMI supports the idea that the EMI is distinct from similar entities described in literature, enabling further sophistication of our Split-second Unlearning model of psychophysiological dis-ease.ConclusionExploration of the concept of EMIs provides further insight on mechanisms associated with psychophysiological dis-ease and opportunities for therapeutic approaches.

Folie et Société: eroding the body–mind relationship via dysfunctional paternalistic systems

“…The role of a dominant, authoritative, and controlling oppressor is assumed by the delusional caregiver. This abuse of the parental relationship creates emotional overwhelm within the infant or child, leading to the creation of emotional memory images (EMIs) ( Hudson and Johnson, 2022 ). Whenever a similar situation occurs, the EMIs activate the original response that the amygdala selected in order to survive.…”

“…Unlike animals, the perceived threat from an EMI within the mind’s eye presents an illusion to the brain, activating an appropriate heuristic stress response to the original threatening time and space ( Hudson and Johnson, 2022 ). This activation of the mind and body is commonly reported as dysregulated stress ( Roberts and Karatsoreos, 2021 ).…”

“…Activities that involve elements of both uncontrollability and social evaluation lead to significant alterations in cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone levels, as well as extended periods of recovery ( Dickerson and Kemeny, 2004 ). EMIs have been defined as: “ Trauma induced, non-conscious, contiguously formed, multimodal, mental imagery, which trigger(s) an amnesic, anachronistic, stress response within a split-second .” ( Hudson and Johnson, 2022 ) The SSU model suggests that the continual activation of this bodily stress response can, over time, lead to various conditions that adversely impact the mind–body relationship, mental health function, and the development of body-focused disorders in adolescence, as well as a myriad of psychophysiological conditions ( Hudson and Johnson, 2023b ).…”

Past Adversity Influencing Now (PAIN): perspectives on the impact of temporal language on the persistence of pain

“…In 2021, we proposed a model of psychophysiological “dis-ease” whereby stress responses from first-time, novel, and unprecedented traumatic emotional experiences are rapidly learnt and then retriggered later in daily life when a person encounters a reminder of the original traumatic experience ( 37 ). Central to our proposal was the concept of Emotional Memory Images (EMIs) coupled to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and stress like responses, e.g., flight, fight, freeze, tonic immobility, and quiescent immobility ( 38 , 39 ). We defined EMIs as “Trauma induced, non-conscious, contiguously formed multimodal mental imagery, which triggers an amnesic, anachronistic, stress response within a split-second”.…”

“…We defined EMIs as “Trauma induced, non-conscious, contiguously formed multimodal mental imagery, which triggers an amnesic, anachronistic, stress response within a split-second”. ( 39 ). We argued that EMIs are re-triggered by encounters broadly akin to the original experience, continually revivifying the past and contributing to states of psychophysiological dis-ease, influencing the persistence of pain ( 40 – 42 ).…”