Posttraumatic stress disorder and positive memories: Clinical considerations

Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Ateka A ContractorM Tracie Shea

Abstract

Encoding and retrieval difficulties, and avoidance of both traumatic and positive memories, are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, most PTSD research and clinical work has solely examined the role of traumatic memories in the maintenance/resolution of PTSD symptoms. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of the literature on positive memories and PTSD. First, we review theories and evidence on the relations between trauma, PTSD, and memory processes (particularly positive memories). Next, we propose a conceptual model that integrates evidence from experimental and positive/memory-based intervention research and highlights hypothesized mechanisms underlying the potential effectiveness of targeting positive memories in PTSD interventions. Specifically, we discuss how targeting positive memories could (1) increase positive affect and reduce negative affect, (2) correct negative cognitions, (3) increase specificity of retrieving autobiographical memories, and (4) be effectively integrated/sequenced with and enhance the effects of trauma-focused interventions. Lastly, we suggest clinical research avenues for investigating the relations between positive memories and PTSD, to possibly alte...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 11, 2020·The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease·Stephanie V CaldasAteka A Contractor
Jul 21, 2020·Anxiety, Stress, and Coping·Ateka A ContractorHeidemarie Blumenthal
Aug 26, 2020·Memory·Megan DolanNicole H Weiss
Apr 20, 2021·Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy·Ateka A ContractorNicole H Weiss
Jun 11, 2021·Memory·Alejandro Miguel-AlvaroMaría Crespo
May 30, 2020·Trauma, Violence & Abuse·Ateka A ContractorFallon Keegan

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