Factors Related to Positive Memory Count Among Trauma-Exposed Individuals: A Scoping Review

Abstract

To examine the existing knowledge base on trauma experiences and positive memories, we conducted a scoping review of trauma and post-trauma factors related to positive memory count. In July 2019, we searched PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, and PTSDpubs for a combination of words related to “positive memories/experiences,” “trauma/posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” and “number/retrieval.” Twenty-one articles met inclusion criteria (adult samples, original articles in English, peer-reviewed, included trauma-exposed group or variable of trauma exposure, trauma exposure examined with a trauma measure/methodology, assessed positive memory count, empirical experimental/non-experimental study designs). Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, two authors reviewed abstracts, completed a secondary search, and independently extracted data. Our review indicated (1) that depression and PTSD were most researched; (2) no conclusive relationships of positive memory count with several psychopathology (depression, acute stress disorder, eating disorder, and anxiety), cognitive/affective, neurobiological, and demographic factors; (3) trends of potential relationships of positive memory count with PTSD and childhood interpersonal traumas (e.g., sexual and physical abuse); and (4) lower positive memory specificity as a potential counterpart to greater overgeneral positive memory bias. Given variations in sample characteristics and methodology as well as the limited longitudinal research, conclusions are tentative and worthy of further investigations.

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

“…Keywords: processing of positive memories technique, positive affect processes, positive memories, pilot uncontrolled study Supplemental materials: https://doi.org/10.1037/int0000292.supp Existing reviews have validated that traumaexposed individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms experience difficulties retrieving specific traumatic and positive autobiographical memories (Contractor, Caldas, et al, 2021;Ono et al, 2016). Yet, most trauma interventions primarily target traumatic memories to reduce posttrauma distress .…”

“…Existing reviews have validated that trauma-exposed individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms experience difficulties retrieving specific traumatic and positive autobiographical memories (Contractor, Caldas, et al, 2021; Ono et al, 2016). Yet, most trauma interventions primarily target traumatic memories to reduce posttrauma distress (Contractor, Weiss, et al, 2022).…”

Critical considerations for the positive memory‐posttraumatic stress disorder model

“…In the context of trauma, evidence suggests that lower specific positive memory count and greater overgeneral/categoric positive memory count relate to a PTSD diagnosis and greater PTSD severity (Contractor et al, in press) and experiences of interpersonal traumas (Hermans et al, 2004; Kuyken & Brewin, 1995). Further, referencing affect and cognitions, greater specific positive memory count and accessibility relate to less negative affect, greater positive affect, and fewer maladaptive post‐trauma cognitions among trauma‐exposed individuals (Contractor, Banducci, et al, 2020).…”

“…Broadly, the scarring hypothesis suggests that difficulties in positive memory processes (e.g., encoding, consolidation, retrieval) may be an after‐effect of trauma or PTSD (Williams et al, 2007); whereas the vulnerability hypothesis suggests that difficulties in positive memory processes, potentially as a transdiagnostic construct (Bryant et al, 2007; Peeters et al, 2002), may contribute to post‐trauma distress such as PTSD (Williams et al, 2007). Indeed, evidence suggests that trauma‐exposed individuals, especially those with PTSD symptoms, demonstrate difficulties retrieving specific positive memories (Contractor et al, in press). However, when these trauma‐exposed individuals retrieve and process positive memories, they generally report better well‐being, including better mood (Rusting & DeHart, 2000) and lower PTSD severity (Contractor, Banducci, et al, 2020).…”

Processing of Positive Memories Technique

“…Following from this, Contractor et al (2018 , 2021a , 2021b , 2021c) proposed a Positive Memory–PTSD model to conceptualize how emotionally laden memories more broadly and PM processes more specifically are impacted by trauma, and to integrate these findings within a novel therapeutic strategy—Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT; Contractor et al, 2021c ). The theory undergirding PPMT proposes that retrieving and processing PMs will lead to improvements in PTSD symptom severity, trauma-related beliefs and affect, readiness to start trauma-focused treatments, therapeutic alliance, and treatment retention in later trauma-focused treatments ( Contractor et al, 2018 ; Contractor et al, 2021a , 2021b , 2021c ). As a next step, to increase the effectiveness and disseminability of PPMT, it is essential to elicit the perspectives of clients participating in PPMT to inform modifications to the intervention.…”