Final answer:
A situation that causes unusually strong emotions and interferes with function is termed a traumatic incident. These incidents often cause lasting psychological effects and strong memories due to arousal theory and may result in flashbulb memories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for a situation that causes emotions strong enough to interfere with one's ability to function is known as a traumatic incident. These include experiences that are so intense they can lead to a chronic reaction such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Such reactions are characterized by intrusive memories, hyperarousal, and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event. Intense emotional experiences are believed to trigger stronger memories due to the arousal theory, which is why they can often have a lasting impact on individual's mental health and memory, such as flashbulb memories connected to highly emotional events.