Exploratory Examination Of Clinician Perspectives On Positive Memories And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Interventions

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.