What effect does trauma have on memory?

Trauma has a significant impact on memory, and the correct choice highlights the way trauma can disrupt the formation and retrieval of memories. When a person experiences trauma, the brain reacts in a way that can lead to challenges in processing and recalling memories associated with the traumatic event. This disruption may manifest as fragmentation of memories, where certain details are recalled vividly while others remain unclear or forgotten entirely.

The body's stress response during traumatic events can inhibit the functioning of areas in the brain responsible for memory processing, such as the hippocampus. This can lead to difficulties not just in recalling specific traumatic events, but also in integrating these experiences into a coherent narrative. Individuals may find themselves struggling to remember the sequence of events, or may experience intrusive memories or flashbacks that can interfere with daily functioning.

Other options do not reflect the complexities of memory and trauma. For instance, trauma does not enhance the recall of all experiences, nor does it have no effect on memory at all. Also, trauma does not exclusively affect long-term memory; it can impact both short-term and long-term memory processes. Therefore, the choice that discusses the disruption of memory formation captures the essential consequences of trauma on memory.