Personal memory refers to the ability of individuals to recall specific experiences, events, or information from their own lives. This type of memory is often shaped by emotions, context, and the significance of the events, making it unique to each person. Personal memories can include everything from childhood experiences to significant life milestones.
The process of forming personal memories involves encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding occurs when we perceive and process information, while storage refers to maintaining that information over time. Retrieval is the act of recalling the stored memories when needed, which can be influenced by various factors, including cues and context.