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

Abstract

Objectives We examined moderating effects of positive emotion dysregulation and fear of positive emotions in the relation between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity and positive memory count. Method Participants were 205 trauma‐exposed community individuals (Mage = 35.44; 61.50% female). Results Moderation analyses indicated interaction effects of PTSD severity with nonacceptance of positive emotions (b = −0.01, p = .002) and difficulties with goal‐directed behaviors when experiencing positive emotions (b = −0.01, p = .006) on positive memory count. Conclusions Greater PTSD severity was associated with more specific positive memories when individuals reported less nonacceptance of positive emotions and fewer difficulties engaging in goal‐directed behaviors in the context of positive emotions. Greater PTSD severity was associated with fewer specific positive memories when individuals reported greater nonacceptance of positive emotions and greater difficulties engaging in goal‐directed behaviors in the context of positive emotions. Results support addressing positive emotion dysregulation in memory‐focused interventions for PTSD.

Critical considerations for the positive memory‐posttraumatic stress disorder model

“…Recent research has shown that greater PTSD severity is associated with fewer specific positive memories when individuals reported more non-acceptance of positive emotions and more difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviours in the context of positive emotions (Contractor, Weiss, & Forkus, 2021). Further, in a sample of trauma-exposed community participants, positive emotion dysregulation was a significant predictor of fewer retrieved positive memories, controlling for PTSD severity (Dolan et al, 2020).…”

“…Indeed, research indicates that trauma‐exposed individuals with PTSD symptoms exhibit dysregulation of positive emotions; they are non‐accepting of positive emotions and have difficulties controlling impulsive behaviours and engaging in goal‐directed behaviours when experiencing positive emotions (Weiss et al, 2018; Weiss, Contractor, Forkus, et al, 2020; Weiss, Contractor, Raudales, et al, 2020; Weiss, Nelson, et al, 2019). Recent research has shown that greater PTSD severity is associated with fewer specific positive memories when individuals reported more non‐acceptance of positive emotions and more difficulties engaging in goal‐directed behaviours in the context of positive emotions (Contractor, Weiss, & Forkus, 2021). Further, in a sample of trauma‐exposed community participants, positive emotion dysregulation was a significant predictor of fewer retrieved positive memories, controlling for PTSD severity (Dolan et al, 2020).…”

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

“…Evidence indicates that trauma-exposed individuals with PTSD symptoms do not accept positive emotions and have difficulties controlling impulsive behaviors and engaging in goal-directed behaviors when experiencing positive emotions (Weiss et al, 2018). Recent research has shown that PTSD severity is associated with fewer retrieved positive memories when individuals report nonacceptance of positive emotions and difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviors in the context of positive emotions (Contractor, Weiss, & Forkus, 2021). Broadly, this lack of sustained positive affect may contribute to more PTSD severity over time.…”

Moderating effects of sleep difficulties on relations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and positive memory count

“…Emerging evidence indicates that the etiology and exacerbation of PTSD symptoms is associated with deficits in positive memory retrieval (Bryant et al, 2007; Contractor et al, 2018; Hauer et al, 2009). Yet, there is a limited understanding and examination of factors that may influence this relation (Contractor, Weiss, et al, 2021). A variable worth investigating is sleep difficulties, given that short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with both PTSD (Germain, 2013) and memory processes (reviewed in Walker & Stickgold, 2006).…”

“…Beyond traumatic memories, positive memory retrieval difficulties relate to PTSD's etiology, maintenance, and severity (Bryant et al, 2007; Contractor et al, 2018; Contractor, Greene, et al, 2020; Hauer et al, 2009). Perhaps, biased attention toward negatively valenced information (Fani et al, 2012), a tendency to focus on negative and traumatic memories (Sutherland & Bryant, 2005), and emotional numbing and dysregulation processes (Contractor, Weiss, et al, 2021; Litz et al, 2000) may contribute to difficulties retrieving specific positive memories among trauma‐exposed individuals with PTSD symptoms (Sutherland & Bryant, 2005; Wingenfeld et al, 2013).…”