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We have introduced the term 'sub-threshold trauma' here to distinguish between a memory which causes excessive negative emotional arousal
(eg anxiety or sadness) when activated by pattern matching to stimuli
in the present and a molar memory. It is 'sub-threshold' both in the sense that you are not consciously aware of why you are emotionally over-reacting and because the symptoms do not meet the full criteria of post-traumatic stress disorder, eg nightmares, flashbacks etc.

By contrast, a molar memory evokes excessive 'positive' emotions (eg sexual arousal or anger) when unconsciously activated by pattern matching to stimuli in the present, but negative/painful emotions when the memory of the original event is first consciously remembered. Only after focussing on the memory further will the positive/'pleasurable' emotion associated with it be evoked.

Both types of memory are capable of adversely affecting our behaviour and can be accessed via the affect bridge.

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© Joe Griffin (2006)

This extract is part of a revised version of an article which first appeared in Volume 13, No, 3 (2006) of the Human Givens journal.

JOE GRIFFIN is a psychotherapist who, with IVAN TYRRELL developed the human givens approach.