What kind of details do individuals often vividly remember about traumatic events, like the September 11 attacks?

Individuals often vividly remember emotional reactions associated with traumatic events due to the heightened state of arousal and stress that these experiences trigger. The emotional impact of such events can lead to stronger encoding and consolidation of memories related to feelings, which can eclipse mundane details. For instance, people might recall their fear, shock, or sadness during a traumatic event, making those emotional memories particularly vivid and lasting.

In contrast, while people may also recall the weather or specific conversations, these details are typically less memorable in comparison to the emotions felt during such significant occurrences. The memory of technical specifications may be much less salient, as the emotional context tends to dominate one's recollection. Thus, the intense emotions experienced during traumatic events serve as powerful anchors for memory, leading to a more vivid recall of feelings rather than the specific details of the event itself.