Infantile amnesia refers to the inability of most adults to recall episodic memories (memories of specific events, times, and places) from the first 2–4 years of life. In addition, adults tend to have fewer memories from before the age of 10 compared to later childhood and adulthood.
Why does infantile amnesia happen?
There are several theories:
1. Neurological Development:
The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, areas critical for memory formation and retrieval, are not fully developed in infancy. While infants can form some memories, these brain structures may not store them in a way that’s accessible later in life.
2. Language Development:
Early memories may be encoded in a non-verbal form, as infants lack the language skills to label and organize their experiences. As language develops, it changes how memories are processed and retrieved, making pre-verbal memories harder to access.
3. Sense of Self:
A coherent sense of self, which helps organize autobiographical memories, typically emerges around 18–24 months. Without a clear sense of “me,” memories may not be integrated into a personal narrative.
4. Memory Encoding Differences:
Infants process and encode memories differently from older children and adults. Memories formed during infancy may not be stored in a way that aligns with later retrieval systems.
5. Forgetting Over Time:
Memories from early life may simply decay over time, especially if they are not rehearsed or reinforced.
Where do those early memories go?
While the specific episodic memories may be inaccessible, they are not necessarily “lost” in a complete sense. They can:
1. Influence Implicit Memory:
Experiences from infancy may shape implicit memories, which influence feelings, habits, and preferences without conscious awareness. For example, early attachment experiences can shape emotional patterns and relationships later in life.
2. Contribute to the Unconscious Mind:
According to psychoanalytic theories, early experiences may reside in the unconscious and subtly shape personality and behavior.
3. Be Reconstructed:
Some elements of early memories might remain as fragments or be incorporated into later narratives, although they may be distorted or reinterpreted based on later knowledge and experiences.
Ultimately, while the details of early memories may fade, their impact often persists in shaping emotional and cognitive development.
