Impacts of repeated retrieval of positive and neutral memories on posttrauma health: An investigative pilot study

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.