Effects of processing positive memories on posttrauma mental health: A preliminary study in a non-clinical student sample

Moderating effects of dysregulation and fear of positive emotions on the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and positive memory count

“…The current study aimed to clarify the well‐documented relationship between PTSD severity and positive memory count (Bryant et al, 2007; Contractor et al, 2018, 2019; Contractor, Banducci, et al, 2020; Hauer et al, 2009; McNally et al, 1994; Wingenfeld et al, 2013) by examining the potential influence of both positive emotion dysregulation and fear of positive emotions. For correlation analyses, higher levels of both positive emotion dysregulation (i.e., greater nonacceptance of positive emotions, and more difficulties engaging in goal‐directed behaviors and controlling impulsive behaviors when experiencing positive emotions) and fear of positive emotions were significantly associated with greater PTSD severity and fewer specific positive memories.…”

“…Indeed, retrieving positive memories has been shown to aid an adaptive integration of trauma memories with existing beliefs (Resick & Schnicke, 1993) and with memories influencing identity (Conway & Pleydell‐Pearce, 2000; Ehlers & Clark, 2000); this, in turn, may aid posttrauma recovery (Bryant et al, 2007; Ehlers & Clark, 2000). Consistent with these findings, empirical research supports an inverse relation between processing positive memories (i.e., retrieving detailed accounts of a positive memory to simulate reliving of that positive experience) and PTSD severity (Contractor, Banducci, et al, 2020); and intervention research supports accessing positive memories to reduce PTSD severity (Moradi et al, 2014; Raes, Williams, & Hermans, 2009). In fact, the recently proposed Contractor et al (2018) conceptual model outlines hypothesized mechanisms linking positive memory retrieval/processing to PTSD symptoms; some mechanisms include decreases in negative affect and maladaptive cognitions, and increases in positive affect and in the ability to retrieve additional positive memories.…”

“…If the individual is able to effectively regulate and maintain the experienced positive emotions, they may consequently retrieve additional pleasant memories (Rusting & DeHart, 2000), demonstrating a mood‐congruency effect (i.e., tendency to remember information consistent with currently experienced mood; Blaney, 1986; Rusting & Larsen, 1998). Indeed, experimental evidence supports the mood‐repair effect of positive memories, including among trauma‐exposed individuals (Contractor, Banducci, et al, 2020; Josephson, 1996; Rusting & DeHart, 2000). In other words, positive memories may help to modify negative mood states.…”

“…Emerging evidence indicates that the etiology and exacerbation of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity is related to number and phenomenological characteristics of positive memories (i.e., dimensions of memories such as sensory details facilitating reliving of the event; Sutin & Robins, 2007; see Contractor, Banducci, Dolan, Keegan, & Weiss, 2019; Contractor, Banducci, Jin, Keegan, & Weiss, 2020; Hauer, Wessel, Engelhard, Peeters, & Dalgleish, 2009; Wingenfeld et al, 2013). Important variables to consider in this regard are positive emotion dysregulation (i.e., nonacceptance of positive emotions, difficulties engaging in goal‐directed behaviors when experiencing positive emotions, and difficulties controlling impulsive behaviors when experiencing positive emotions) and fear of positive emotions.…”

Positive memory intervention techniques: a scoping review

“…Empirically, Contractor et al (2020b) conducted an experimental design to examine impact of positive memory processing on post-trauma outcomes. Methodologically, the procedure was somewhat different from the one described in the protocol (Contractor et al, 2020a).…”