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Moscovitch DA, White K, Hudd T. Hooking the Self Onto the Past: How Positive Autobiographical Memory Retrieval Benefits People With Social Anxiety. Clin Psychol Sci 2024; 12:882-902. [PMID: 39309219 PMCID: PMC11415290 DOI: 10.1177/21677026231195792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Do people with social anxiety (SA) benefit from positive memory retrieval that heightens self-relevant meaning? In this preregistered study, an analog sample of 255 participants with self-reported clinically significant symptoms of SA were randomly assigned to retrieve and process a positive social-autobiographical memory by focusing on either its self-relevant meaning (deep processing) or its perceptual features (superficial processing). Participants were then socially excluded and instructed to reimagine their positive memory. Analyses revealed that participants assigned to the deep processing condition experienced significantly greater improvements than participants in the superficial processing condition in positive affect, social safeness, and positive beliefs about others during initial memory retrieval and in negative and positive beliefs about the self following memory reactivation during recovery from exclusion. These novel findings highlight the potential utility of memory-based interventions for SA that work by "hooking" self-meaning onto recollections of positive interpersonal experiences that elicit feelings of social acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Moscovitch
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment, University of Waterloo
| | - Kendra White
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment, University of Waterloo
| | - Taylor Hudd
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment, University of Waterloo
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2
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Contractor AA, Slavish DC, Wang S, Weiss NH. Posttraumatic stress symptoms and positive autobiographical memory characteristics in everyday life. J Trauma Stress 2024. [PMID: 38838082 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Individuals with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) report difficulties engaging with positive autobiographical memories. Extending this line of research, we examined daily-level concurrent and lagged associations between PTSS severity and positive memory characteristics (vividness, coherence, accessibility, time perspective, sensory details, visual perspective, emotional intensity, sharing, distancing, and valence). The sample included 88 trauma survivors (Mage = 39.89 years, 59.1% female) who completed seven daily measures of PTSS and positive memory characteristics. Multilevel models examined concurrent and lagged associations between PTSS severity and positive memory characteristics. The results indicated that days with higher PTSS severity were associated with less accessibility, β = -.21, p < .001; less visual perspective, β = -0.13, p = .034; and lower positive valence of the memory, β = -.19, p = .003, as well as more emotional intensity associated with, β = .13, p = .041, and more distancing from, β = .21, p < .001, the memory. Supplemental lagged analyses indicated that higher previous-day PTSS severity was associated with more next-day distancing from, β = .15, p = .042, and sensory details of, β = .17, p = .016, the memory. Findings suggest that individuals with more severe PTSS have difficulties accessing positively valenced memories from a first-person perspective, are more distant from the recalled positive memory, and report more emotional intensity when retrieving the memory. Thus, improving access to and reducing distance from positive autobiographical memories, as well as addressing emotional intensity surrounding the retrieval of these memories, may be potential clinical targets for PTSS interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danica C Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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Miguel-Alvaro A, Messman BA, Weiss NH, Contractor AA. Do childhood experiences influence associations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and positive autobiographical memories among military veteran students? An exploratory study. Memory 2024; 32:540-551. [PMID: 38727529 PMCID: PMC11262963 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2024.2348685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence links posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and features of positive autobiographical memories (accessibility, vividness, coherence, sharing, emotional intensity, distancing). There is a knowledge gap on how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) may influence these relationships. OBJECTIVES The current study explored whether the number ACEs or BCEs moderated associations between PTSD symptom severity and features of positive autobiographical memories. DESIGN AND METHODS The sample included 124 student military veterans who had experienced a trauma (Mage = 33.90; 77.4% male; 75.0% White). RESULTS Path analyses showed more PTSD symptom severity was significantly associated with less positive autobiographical memory vividness (β = -0.26, p = .019, R2 = 0.06). Further, the number of ACEs moderated the relationship between PTSD symptom severity and positive autobiographical memory accessibility (β = -0.25, p = .023, R2 = 0.10) and vividness (β = -0.20, p = .024, R2 = 0.10). Among individuals with more ACEs (1 SD above the mean) compared to those with fewer ACEs (1 SD below the mean), less accessibility and vividness of positive autobiographical memories was associated with greater PTSD symptom severity. The number of BCEs was not a significant moderator. CONCLUSIONS Positive memory-based interventions may be particularly useful to address PTSD symptoms among military veterans with a history of childhood adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett A Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
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Hu B, Zhang S, Liu P, Zhou F, Feng T. The impact of past temporal discounting on mental health: Opposite effects of positive and negative event aftertastes over time: Aftertaste and time. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100453. [PMID: 38450251 PMCID: PMC10915560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Time frees people from bereavement, but also fades childhood happiness, these dynamics can be understood through the framework of past temporal discounting (PTD), which refers to the gradual decrease in affect intensity elicited by recalling positive or negative events over time. Despite its importance, measuring PTD has been challenging, and its impact on real-life outcomes, such as mental health remains unknown. Method Here, we employed a longitudinal tracking approach to measure PTD in healthy participants (N = 210) across eight time points. We recorded changes in affect intensity for positive and negative events and examined the impact of PTD on mental health outcomes, including general mental well-being, depression, stress sensitivity, and etc. Results The results of Bayesian multilevel modeling indicated that the affect intensity for positive and negative events discounted over time at a gradually decelerating rate. Furthermore, we found that maintaining good mental health heavily depended on rapid PTD of negative events and slow PTD of positive events. Conclusions These results provide a comprehensive characterization PTD and demonstrate its importance in maintaining mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Hu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, China
| | - Shunmin Zhang
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Peiwei Liu
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, United States
| | - Feng Zhou
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingyong Feng
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
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Contractor AA, Slavish DC, Straup ML, Miguel-Alvaro A. Daily-level associations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and reactions to retrieving positive autobiographical memories. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 103:102842. [PMID: 38325241 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Trauma survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) report difficulties accessing and describing positive memories. To understand these patterns, we examined daily-level relations of PTSD symptoms with affective, cognitive (dwelling/rumination; pushing memory out of one's mind; suppression; avoidance; distraction; thinking about something else; remembering negative or positive memories/events; negative or positive thoughts; accepting or disapproving memory; reinterpreting memory), and behavioral (using alcohol/drugs; smoking cigarettes; cravings for or seeking out cigarettes/alcohol/drugs; craving, seeking out, or consuming large amounts of food; dissociation; engaging in risky behaviors; sharing memories; interference with ongoing task; arousal) reactions to retrieving positive memories. Eighty-eight trauma survivors (Mage= 39.89 years; 59.1% female) completed 7 daily measures of PTSD and reactions to retrieving positive memories. Days with more PTSD severity were associated with higher odds of same-day suppression, avoidance, distraction, thinking about something else, smoking cigarettes, craving substances, craving, seeking out, or consuming large amounts of food, dissociation, remembering negative memories/events/thoughts, engaging in risky behaviors, interference with ongoing tasks, and arousal (ORs=1.10-1.22); and greater negative affect (β = 0.27). Supplemental lagged analyses indicated some associations between previous-day reactions to positive memory retrieval and next-day PTSD severity and vice versa. Trauma survivors with PTSD symptoms report negative and avoidance-oriented reactions to retrieving positive memories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danica C Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Madison L Straup
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
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Contractor AA, Blumenthal H, Rosenfield D, Shea MT, Taylor DJ, Fentem A, Vingren JL. Study protocol and rationale for a pilot randomized clinical trial comparing processing of positive memories technique with supportive counseling for PTSD. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 138:107455. [PMID: 38253251 PMCID: PMC11338315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research indicates that positive memories have a role in posttraumatic stress disorder's (PTSD) symptomatology and treatment. Following treatment development guidelines, a novel PTSD intervention - Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) - was developed and subsequently examined for its effects and feasibility in pilot studies. Extending this research, the proposed pilot randomized clinical trial with PPMT and Supportive Counseling (SC) arms will examine PPMT's effects on PTSD severity and biomarkers of stress systems' dysregulation (awakening salivary alpha amylase [sAA] and cortisol concentrations); examine mechanistic targets (affect) underlying PPMT's effects; and refine PPMT. We hypothesize that the PPMT arm will report greater decreases in PTSD severity and greater decreases in awakening sAA/cortisol ratio compared to the SC arm; and that improved affect (more positive affect and less negative affect) will mediate associations between intervention arm and changes in PTSD severity. METHODS We will recruit 70 individuals aged 18-65 years with PTSD. They will be randomized to 5 weekly therapy sessions of PPMT or SC, and will be assessed at baseline, weekly during treatment, 1-week post-treatment, and 3-months post-treatment. Primary outcomes are past-week PTSD severity, past-week positive and negative affect levels, and feedback data on PPMT's feasibility, format, and content. The secondary outcome is the awakening sAA/cortisol ratio. Statistical analyses include mixed-effect models and within-subjects cross-lag longitudinal mediation analyses. CONCLUSION Study results will advance knowledge of trauma interventions by examining effects and feasibility of a novel PTSD intervention, and by elucidating potential mechanisms underlying PPMT's effects. Clinical Trials #: NCT05523453.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ateka A Contractor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Terrill Hall, Denton, TX, 76201, United States of America.
| | - Heidemarie Blumenthal
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Terrill Hall, Denton, TX, 76201, United States of America
| | - David Rosenfield
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Expressway Tower, Dallas, TX, 75275, United States of America
| | - M Tracie Shea
- Box G-BH, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States of America
| | - Daniel J Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 W University Blvd, Tuscon, AZ 85721, United States of America
| | - Andrea Fentem
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Terrill Hall, Denton, TX, 76201, United States of America
| | - Jakob L Vingren
- Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, University of North Texas, Denton TX 76203, United States of America
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Contractor AA, Messman B, Gould P, Slavish DC, Weiss NH. Impacts of repeated retrieval of positive and neutral memories on posttrauma health: An investigative pilot study. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101887. [PMID: 37343425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Evidence indicates that positive memory processes play a role in the etiology and maintenance of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and related posttrauma health indicators. To extend this research, the current pilot study examined if repeated retrieval of positive vs. neutral memories was associated with (1) less PTSS and depression severity; and (2) improved affect and cognitions (fewer posttrauma cognitions, more positively-valenced affect, less negatively-valenced affect, less negative affect interference, less anhedonia, retrieval of more positive specific memories, retrieval of fewer negative specific memories). METHODS Twenty-five trauma-exposed participants were randomly assigned to a positive or neutral memory task condition. They participated in four weekly experimental sessions facilitated by an experimenter virtually; each consecutive session was separated by 6-8 days. We conducted mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs to examine study hypotheses. RESULTS No interaction effects were significant. There were significant main effects of time on PTSS and depression severity, posttrauma cognitions, positively-valenced and negatively-valenced affect, and negative affect interference. LIMITATIONS We used self-report measures, small and non-clinical sample with limited demographic diversity, and virtual format; did not record memory narratives; and did not have a trauma memory condition. CONCLUSIONS Based on pilot data, our findings suggest that individuals who retrieve positive or neutral memories repeatedly may report less PTSS and depression severity, fewer posttrauma cognitions, and improved affect. Results provide an impetus to examine impacts of and mechanisms underlying memory interventions (beyond a sole focus on negatively-valenced memories) in trauma work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Preston Gould
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Danica C Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, RI, USA
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Belmans E, De Vuyst HJ, Takano K, Raes F. Reducing the stickiness of negative memory retrieval through positive memory training in adolescents. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101881. [PMID: 37348168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Individuals at risk for depression exhibit a decreased ability to disengage from negative memory retrieval during times of mental distress, partly because they have difficulty retrieving positive memories to repair sad mood. In this study, we tested whether this persistent tendency for negative memory retrieval could be reduced in adolescents through repeated practice to retrieve positive autobiographical memories, namely Positive Memory Specificity Training (PMST). Further, we examined the impact of this intervention on secondary outcomes, including depressive symptoms, emotion regulation strategies, and fear of positive emotions. METHODS Adolescents (n = 68) between 16 and 18 years old were randomly allocated to either PMST or bogus control training. Persistent negative memory retrieval was assessed following the training using a behavioral decision-making task (Emotional Reversal Learning Task). Additionally, participants completed self-report measurements (e.g., depressive symptoms) before and two weeks after the training. RESULTS We found preliminary supportive evidence for a significant training effect such that adolescents following PMST showed less persistence in negative memory retrieval compared to those in the control group. Only for anhedonia a significant training effect was found, indicating a possible adverse effect of the intervention. LIMITATIONS The primary outcome was assessed only at post-intervention to prevent a potential learning effect due to repeated measurements. We cannot exclude the possibility that baseline individual differences contaminated our results. To examine possible adverse effects of PMST, larger sample are needed. CONCLUSIONS PMST may help to reduce persistent negative memory retrieval in adolescents. Recommendations for future studies are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Belmans
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Hendrik-Jan De Vuyst
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Neuromodulation Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, Leuven 3001, Belgium.
| | - Keisuke Takano
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, LMU Munich, Leopoldstraße 13, Munich, Germany; Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute (HIIRI), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8560, Japan.
| | - Filip Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Contractor AA, Batley PN, Compton SE, Weiss NH. Relations Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Positive Memory Characteristics Among Women Reporting Intimate Partner Violence: A Micro-Longitudinal Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:7266-7295. [PMID: 36541198 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221143200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Evidence links posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms to positive autobiographical memory characteristics. To extend this research, we uniquely utilized micro-longitudinal data to examine (1) the trajectory of PTSD symptom count across 30 days; and (2) if more vividness and accessibility of retrieved positive memories at the daily level predicted decreases in the trajectory of PTSD symptom count across 30 days. The current study was a secondary data analysis of a larger study. The sample included 74 women who reported physical or sexual victimization in the past 30 days by their current male partner and reported the use of alcohol and/or drugs during that time (Mage = 39.68 years; 37.80% with diagnostic PTSD; 43.2% White; 37.8% Black or African American). They completed thrice daily measures of PTSD symptoms and positive memory characteristics (vividness and accessibility) across 30 days. Results of the random effects longitudinal multilevel model indicated that, on average, the relation between PTSD symptom count and positive memory vividness was positive and statistically significant (0.19, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [0.2, 0.35]); and the relation between PTSD symptom count and positive memory accessibility was positive and statistically significant (0.31, 95% CI [0.15, 0.47]). The relationship between PTSD symptom count and positive memory vividness/accessibility (i.e., slopes) varied significantly across participants, with a wide range of positive and negative regression coefficients. Future research needs to investigate why and how positive memory vividness and accessibility may relate to trajectories of PTSD symptoms over time, with potential clinical implications for positive memory interventions addressing PTSD.
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Contractor AA, Messman BA, Slavish DC, Weiss NH. Do positive memory characteristics influence daily-level trajectories of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms? an exploratory daily diary study. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2023; 36:320-338. [PMID: 35561031 PMCID: PMC9653523 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2022.2075856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Evidence links posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with positive memory characteristics. To extend this research, we utilized daily diary data to examine (1) concurrent/lagged associations between daily PTSD symptom severity and positive memory vividness/accessibility; and (2) associations between baseline-assessed positive memory characteristics and changes in PTSD symptom severity over time. DESIGN AND METHODS A sample of 238 trauma-exposed participants (Mage = 21.19 years; 86% women) completed baseline and 10 daily measures of PTSD symptoms and positive memory characteristics. Multilevel models covaried for gender, number of trauma types, and number of completed surveys. RESULTS Days with greater PTSD symptom severity than an individual's average associated with less vividness (b = -0.02, p < .001) and accessibility (b = -0.02, p < .001) of the positive memory on the same day. Days with greater positive memory vividness (b = -1.06, p < .001) and accessibility (b = -0.93, p < .001) than an individual's average associated with less PTSD symptom severity on the same day. There were no significant lagged associations between these constructs. There were significant interactions between baseline-assessed psychological distance and time (b = -0.04, p = .042) and between baseline-assessed visual perspective and time (b = 0.05, p = .023) on PTSD symptom severity across days. CONCLUSIONS Findings inform positive memory intervention targets for PTSD and provide impetus for longitudinal investigations on their inter-relations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett A. Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Danica C. Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Nicole H. Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
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Banducci AN, Fondren A, Bocanegra A, Crespo M, Contractor AA. Processing of Positive Memories Technique: Feedback From Trauma-Exposed Clients on Processing of Positive Memories Technique Components, Format, and Feasibility. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:289-297. [PMID: 36191339 PMCID: PMC10062653 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although the majority of research and clinical interventions focused on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) centers on traumatic memories, recent literature suggests the importance of considering emotionally laden memories more broadly among trauma-exposed individuals. Specifically, trauma-exposed individuals have difficulties retrieving positive and negative memories, and interventions focused on enhancing the retrieval of both traumatic and positive memories benefit overall well-being. These findings led to the development of a novel Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) for PTSD. As the next step in treatment development, PPMT was piloted among 12 trauma-exposed community members seeking therapeutic or assessment services at a university psychology clinic. In this study, we summarize participants' quantitative and qualitative feedback on the content, format, and feasibility of PPMT. Next, we outline proposed formative changes that are critical to the iterative refinement of PPMT, based on the obtained feedback to enhance its scalability, feasibility, and effectiveness. Within clinical practice, PPMT, as implemented in this study, may be feasible, and there may be potential benefits to incorporating positive memory processing using PPMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne N. Banducci
- The National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alana Fondren
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Ashley Bocanegra
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Maria Crespo
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Clinical Psychology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, Madrid, Spain
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Messman BA, Jin L, Slavish DC, Alghraibeh AM, Aljomaa SS, Contractor AA. The role of positive affect processes in the association between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and sleep: A multi-study design. J Affect Disord 2023; 324:511-520. [PMID: 36603602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have been linked to sleep disturbances. Limited work has explored how positive affect processes may account for this relationship. Advancing research in this area, we utilized a multi-study design to investigate the role of positive affect processes (levels of positive affect, positive emotionality, hedonic deficits, negative affect interference) in the PTSD-sleep association. METHODS Data from 149 trauma-exposed firefighters (Mage = 38.93 ± 9.65, 5.40 % women) were collected between September 2021 and November 2021, and data from 119 trauma-exposed community members (Mage = 29.60 ± 8.67, 68.10 % women) were collected between February 2021 and December 2021. Participants completed an online survey on PTSD symptoms, sleep disturbances, and positive affect processes. RESULTS Positive affect levels (b = 0.03, 95 % confidence interval [CI] [0.01, 0.06]; firefighter sample), positive emotionality (b = 0.07, CI [0.03, 0.13]; community sample), and negative affect interference (b = 0.06, CI [0.01, 0.14]; community sample) significantly accounted for the associations between PTSD symptom severity and sleep disturbances controlling for the effects of gender and age. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the role of positive affect processes in the link between PTSD and sleep, and support addressing positive affect processes as potential targets in clinical interventions for co-occurring PTSD-sleep problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.
| | - Ling Jin
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Danica C Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Ahmad M Alghraibeh
- Department of Psychology, College of Education, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suliman S Aljomaa
- Department of Psychology, College of Education, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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The power of negative and positive episodic memories. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE, & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 22:869-903. [PMID: 35701665 PMCID: PMC9196161 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-022-01013-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The power of episodic memories is that they bring a past moment into the present, providing opportunities for us to recall details of the experiences, reframe or update the memory, and use the retrieved information to guide our decisions. In these regards, negative and positive memories can be especially powerful: Life’s highs and lows are disproportionately represented in memory, and when they are retrieved, they often impact our current mood and thoughts and influence various forms of behavior. Research rooted in neuroscience and cognitive psychology has historically focused on memory for negative emotional content. Yet the study of autobiographical memories has highlighted the importance of positive emotional memories, and more recently, cognitive neuroscience methods have begun to clarify why positive memories may show powerful relations to mental wellbeing. Here, we review the models that have been proposed to explain why emotional memories are long-lasting (durable) and likely to be retrieved (accessible), describing how in overlapping—but distinctly separable—ways, positive and negative memories can be easier to retrieve, and more likely to influence behavior. We end by identifying potential implications of this literature for broader topics related to mental wellbeing, education, and workplace environments.
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Crespo M, Miguel-Alvaro A, Hornillos C, Sánchez-Ferrer S, Antón AA. Effect of adding a positive memories' module in a trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural treatment for female survivors of intimate partner violence: trial protocol. Trials 2022; 23:593. [PMID: 35870999 PMCID: PMC9308359 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06540-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural treatments have been proven to be effective for reducing symptoms in female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), although they still present some difficulties (e.g. significant drop-out rates, low adherence). Based on existing evidence about the difficulty of accessing memories of positive experiences among these women, we considered integrating positive memory evocation in trauma-focused treatments. The present study aims to test the effect of adding a positive memory module to trauma-focused CBT for female survivors of IPV. METHODS The study is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing two trauma-focused CBT (with and without a positive memory module) for female survivors of IPV and a wait-list condition (superiority trial), including pretreatment and posttreatment measures, and follow-ups at 3, 6 and 12 months. Assessors of treatment outcome will be blinded to the trial arm. We aim to recruit 135 participants who will be randomized to one of the experimental conditions. The primary outcome is PTSD symptom severity. Secondary outcome measures include IPV, attitudes towards IPV, posttraumatic cognitions, centrality of trauma, self-concept, positive and negative affect, depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation or health-related quality of life, as well as satisfaction with treatment. Moreover, adherence to and satisfaction with treatment will be considered. DISCUSSION This study first analyses the effect of including positive memory evocation into a trauma-focused treatment for female survivors of IPV. This strategy aims to improve the effect of the treatments and enhance the healing of the trauma by developing a more integrated and emotionally modulated autobiographical narrative that contributes to the recovery and well-being of the victims. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN73702156 . Registered on 10 March 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Crespo
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, s/n, 28223, Madrid, Spain.
| | - A Miguel-Alvaro
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, s/n, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Hornillos
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, s/n, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - A A Antón
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, s/n, 28223, Madrid, Spain
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Contractor AA, Banducci AN, Jin L. The Relationship between Positive Memory Phenomenology and Alcohol Use among Trauma-Exposed Individuals. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:929-939. [PMID: 35345976 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2052099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence links positive memory characteristics and hazardous alcohol use (HAU). Relevant to the current study, evidence also indicates that trauma-exposed individuals, especially those with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, report difficulties retrieving/accessing positive memories and report HAU. OBJECTIVE Considering this literature, we uniquely examined if and which positive memory characteristics were associated with HAU, and the potential mediating role of PTSD symptom severity in the examined relations. METHODS A sample of 126 trauma-exposed community participants seeking mental health treatment (Mage=34.97 years) completed measures of HAU (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), positive memory characteristics (Memory Experiences Questionnaire-Short Form [MEQ-SF]), and PTSD severity (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5). We conducted 8 hierarchical multiple regressions; Step 1 examined effects of gender and Step 2 added a single MEQ-SF dimension (specificity, valence, emotional intensity, sensory details, vividness, accessibility, coherence, sharing). RESULTS In Steps 1 (β=.27) and 2 (βs from .27-.28), gender was associated with HAU. In Step 2, positive memory characteristics of specificity (β=.17), sensory details (β=.17), sharing (β=.23), and valence (β=-.19) were associated with greater HAU. PTSD severity mediated relations between sensory details (β=.09, p=.048), emotional intensity (β=.12, p=.011), and sharing (β=.09, p=.036), and the extent of HAU. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Results that specificity, greater sharing, more sensory details, and higher negative valence of positive memories were associated with greater HAU offer potential points of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne N Banducci
- The National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.,School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ling Jin
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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