In 2008, an experiment was conducted to study how the brain responds to photos of family members as compared with photos of strangers. The results showed something not at all surprising, in my opinion. According to the fMRI (or brain MRI) study, our brain uses the same regions to process self-reference and loved ones' faces.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a picture of my father’s father. I held it in my hand and stared at it for a while, trying to find myself in his face. It was a deep and moving experience that I've had every time I see a photo of a family member I haven't seen before. Without photos, my family tree wouldn’t be nearly as impactful to my sense of belonging.
"A man finds room in the few square inches of the face for the traits of all his ancestors; for the expression of all his history and his wants.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Family Photos and Children’s Self-Esteem
Having family photos displayed at home can be such a positive experience for children. It helps them develop a strong sense of identity. This is important as they grow older and navigate the complexities of the world. Feeling connected to their roots can make children feel grounded and in touch with themselves, which can help them develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
The Importance of Family Photos for Seniors
Looking through family photos can have a powerful effect on older adults as well. Family photos allow seniors to reflect on their lives, maintain a sense of who they are, and remember their place in the family unit. This is especially important for those who are experiencing Alzheimer's or diminishing mental wellness, as the act of seeing family photos can help spark memories and positive feelings of connection to their loved ones. It's a small but meaningful way to preserve memories and behaviors.
I remember when my Grandma Lola was in the final years of her life. She was non-verbal after suffering a stroke years prior and was living in a care facility. My mother had placed a collage of family photos on the wall of her room. While she didn't always know us when we visited, she remembered the photos and reacted to them every time she entered.
The Role of Family Photos in Building a Shared History
The first time I saw this photo, I was in my early thirties and had been researching my family’s history for several years already. The photo is of my great-grandparents and two of their daughters. In the years since, I’ve seen it on the mantles and walls of several family members, including the relatives I only met as a result of my work on the family tree. Seeing the photo in their homes has always brought me comfort and reminds me that we really do come from the same people.
The benefit of viewing family photos and the importance of sharing with others in the family is clear, and with smartphones, scanners, and the internet at our disposal, there is no excuse for photo hoarding ((wags finger)). Print them, scan them, share them, and most importantly, look at them often.
Hi! I'm Trista. My mission is to spark curiosity, interest, and desire in all people, to learn about those who came before them, to preserve family histories for generations to come. Contact me for more information at tristathegenealogist.com.
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