An Exploratory Examination of Client Perspectives on a Positive Memory Technique for PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments primarily address traumatic memories, despite PTSD's association with both traumatic and positive memory difficulties. Addressing this gap, we explored the perspectives of trauma-exposed individuals with mental health treatment experience on therapeutically addressing positive memories. A treatment-seeking sample from a community mental health center (n1 = 60) and a community sample from Amazon's Mechanical Turk (n2 = 123) were queried on the acceptability, feasibility, and delivery/components of a pilot positive memory technique. Results indicated interest or willingness in therapeutically discussing positive memories; most endorsed benefits were improved mood, positive thoughts, and self-esteem. Few barriers were identified (e.g., lack of evidence) compared with feasibility factors (ease/usefulness, improved satisfaction/tolerability, and engagement in PTSD treatment). Preferred treatment components included identifying/discussing positive memories, eliciting associated positive affect, and writing about the positive memory as homework. Results provide formative support for the development and integration of a positive memory technique into PTSD treatments.