Exploratory examination of clinician perspectives on positive memories and post‐traumatic stress disorder interventions. Issue 1 (30th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Contractor, Ateka A.; Caldas, Stephanie V.; Dolan, Megan; Banducci, Anne N.; Jin, Ling
• Is Part Of: Counselling and psychotherapy research. Volume 20:Issue 1(2020:Mar.)
• Page Start: 92
• Page End: 105
• Publication Date: 2019-09-30
• Subjects: clinician perspectives -- feasibility -- intervention development -- positive memories -- post‐traumatic stress disorder; Counseling -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.891405
• DOI: 10.1002/capr.12267
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-3145

Abstract

Abstract: Despite the role of positive memories in the aetiology and maintenance of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), most PTSD interventions primarily focus on traumatic memories. To aid the development of a PTSD‐specific technique focused on processing positive memories, we gathered formative input from practicing clinicians on the content, format, feasibility and acceptability of this proposed intervention technique. We recruited licensed clinicians ( n = 46) through professional networks and psychology organisation Listservs, provided a description of a positive memory processing technique, and administered a questionnaire querying perspectives on the proposed technique. Most clinicians reported using positive memories in PTSD therapy (67.39%) and interest in addressing them in depth/frequently (71.74%). They reported that (a) positive memory processing could increase positive thoughts (82.50%), feelings (80%) and memory specificity (75%); (b) optimal intervention components included defining a positive memory as a peak experience (characterised by strong positive affect, a positive and impactful change on one's life, and overwhelming joy/happiness; 57.50%), identifying 1–3 memories (25.64%–33.33%), discussing them in session to elicit positive elements (68.57%–82.86%), tracking affect intensity/valence (57.14%), and using this technique to augment trauma‐focused interventions (57.14%); and (c) feasibility indicators included perceived acceptability to clients (80.65%) and clinicians (66.67%), practicality (51.61%), successful implementation considering resources/time (63.33%), ease of learning (51.61%) and positive impact on therapy satisfaction/tolerability (54.84%–58.06%). Taken together, our study provides parameters for the development and investigation of a PTSD‐specific positive memory processing technique.