A study published in Nature Communications found that people can remember emotional memories associated with their colleagues even after their missions have ended. These emotional memories are often positive and help to recreate familiar social bonds.
They may also be negative and cause stress, anxiety, and depression.
People who work together for an extended period of time develop strong emotional connections that go beyond professional interactions. They create deep bonds based on shared experiences, mutual support, and understanding. When these ties disintegrate due to mission completion, individuals may feel lonely, lost, and confused. The breakup of such close partnerships may lead to negative feelings like sadness, anger, guilt, regret, and loneliness. Some research suggests that this may result from cognitive processes involving memory retrieval, attention, and decision making.
Individuals tend to process emotional memories differently than nonemotional ones. Emotionally charged memories are more vivid and last longer because they involve higher brain activity. People may recall specific instances where they felt close to a colleague, laughed or cried together, helped each other through challenges, or made important decisions. They may also revisit past moments that caused disagreements, arguments, or misunderstandings. This process is crucial for re-establishing relationships in new settings and maintaining personal growth.
Some researchers argue that individuals may suppress memories related to bad experiences to avoid painful reminders. This process is known as "psychological repression" and can lead to mental health problems if not addressed properly. It involves denying or refusing to acknowledge unpleasant thoughts or feelings and may prevent people from learning from their mistakes or improving themselves. Therefore, it is essential to examine these recollections objectively and understand how they affect our present lives.
Remembering positive and negative emotions associated with ex-colleagues is natural and necessary for maintaining social bonds. It helps us learn from past experiences and move forward positively. But we must also handle any negative emotions effectively to avoid long-term harm.
How do individuals process emotional memories associated with colleagues once missions end?
When people remember emotional moments shared with coworkers at work, they may experience positive emotions such as nostalgia, affection, and satisfaction. These feelings can evoke positive associations with their former job and co-workers. Memories of challenging situations may also be recalled, but they can lead to self-reflection on personal growth and development during that time.