What type of memory is characterized by vivid and detailed recollections created during times of personal tragedy?

Flashbulb memories are a specific type of memory that are formed during particularly emotional and significant events, often involving personal tragedy or historical events. These memories are characterized by their vividness and detail, allowing individuals to recall where they were, what they were doing, and their emotional responses at the moment. The intense emotional impact of such experiences often leads to a stronger encoding of the memories, making them seem more clear and accurate than everyday memories.

In contrast, long-term memories encompass a broader category of memories that can include both episodic (personal experiences) and semantic (facts and general knowledge) memories, without the specific intensity of emotion associated with flashbulb memories. Semantic memories involve general knowledge about the world, while episodic memories pertain to the collection of personal experiences. Neither of these captures the unique characteristics of flashbulb memories, which are deeply tied to emotional content and context.