Critical considerations for the positive memory‐posttraumatic stress disorder model

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) includes changes in processes such as encoding and retrieval for both traumatic and positive memories. However, most work has predominantly focused on traumatic memories. Thus, Contractor and colleagues proposed a Positive Memory-PTSD model, which highlighted potential benefits associated with and mechanisms underlying positive memory retrieval/processing among individuals reporting PTSD symptoms. To enhance research on and clinical impacts of this model, the current review provides critical considerations for the Positive Memory-PTSD model. Drawing from emerging research and clinical observations, we (i) clarify that the model addresses specific versus overgeneral positive memories; (ii) underscore the importance of considering the heterogeneity in, and transitionary nature of, affect processes following positive memory retrieval; and (iii) highlight the rationale for considering trauma type/count and co-occurring conditions, as potential moderators of relations between positive memory processing and PTSD. Hereby, we provide an updated Positive Memory-PTSD model and implications for positive memory interventions drawing from this model.

Positive affect processes and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms: Findings from an open label and uncontrolled pilot study using the positive memory processing technique.

“…Finally, some research suggests that traumaexposed individuals may report sustained increases in positive affect, which may contribute to improved PTSD symptoms, aligned with assumptions of the Positive Memory-PTSD model (Contractor, Banducci, & Weiss, 2022;Contractor, Brown, et al, 2018), the theoretical rationale of PPMT (Contractor, Weiss, & Shea, 2021) and other positive memoryfocused interventions (Miguel-Alvaro et al, 2021), and research suggesting that trauma-exposed individuals have the ability to experience positive affect (Dornbach-Bender et al, 2020). Indeed, experimental evidence (Rusting & DeHart, 2000) and intervention research (Panagioti et al, 2012;Tarrier, 2010) support positive memory retrieval to be an adaptive affect-regulation strategy.…”

“…First, perhaps, there is heterogeneity in affective sequalae to positive memory processing across trauma-exposed individuals. Some individuals may experience low or unchanged levels of positive affect, other individuals may experience increases in positive affect followed by negative affect and/or positive emotion dysregulation, or some individuals may experience improved positive affect (reviewed in Contractor, Banducci, & Weiss, 2022). Individuals with different affective sequalae may report differing levels of PTSD symptom severity.…”

Open label pilot study on posttrauma health impacts of the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT).

“…Thus, PPMT may work differently for individuals across the different outcomes. Drawing on clinical observations (Fondren et al, 2021) and the existing literature, some potential factors could account for these idiographic variations: uncertainty about optimal dosage of sessions (Contractor et al, 2022), comorbid conditions (e.g., substance use) that may influence positive memory retrieval (Banducci et al, 2020); and characteristics of traumas (e.g., interpersonal traumas; Contractor, Kearns, et al, 2021).…”

Security and Privacy of Blockchain-Based Single-Bit Cache Memory Architecture for IoT Systems

“…The central processing unit (CPU) is in charge of figuring out which memory cells need data sent to them or read from them. The system's performance is influenced by the computer's random access memory (RAM) and CPU [47]. The CPU has a limited capacity for storing vast amounts of data or applications.…”