Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has devastating health consequences. Evidence-based PTSD interventions address the substantial burden of PTSD on the health of individuals and societies; however, several individuals receiving these interventions drop out and not all individuals experience improvement in PTSD symptoms. Moreover, these current PTSD interventions primarily target trauma memories. Notably, growing evidence suggests that PTSD symptoms are related to difficulties in the encoding and retrieving of positive memories as well. Thus, the proposed study will examine effects of and targets underlying a novel PTSD technique focused on narrating and detailing positive memories - Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT). Methodologically, 70 individuals will be randomly assigned to PPMT vs. Supportive Counseling (SC) for this study. The aims of the proposed study include (1) examining PPMT's effects on PTSD symptom severity and stress systems' dysregulation (i.e., awakening salivary alpha amylase \[sAA\] and cortisol); (2) examining mechanisms underlying PPMT's effects; and (3) refining PPMT. It is hypothesized that the PPMT arm will report greater decreases in PTSD severity and sAA/cortisol ratios. Further, it is hypothesized that PPMT-related improved affect will mediate the association between study arm (PPMT vs. SC) and changes in PTSD severity. Lastly, feedback will be obtained from study participants on PPMT's feasibility, format, and content to refine PPMT. The proposed study may contribute preliminary evidence on the potential significance of targeting positive memories in PTSD interventions.
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
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Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 scores
Timeframe: Baseline
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 scores
Timeframe: Week 1 post-baseline during therapy session
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 scores
Timeframe: Week 2 post-baseline during therapy session
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 scores
Timeframe: Week 3 post-baseline during therapy session
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 scores
Timeframe: Week 4 post-baseline during therapy session
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 scores
Timeframe: Week 5 post-baseline during therapy session
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 scores
Timeframe: 1 week after last therapy session
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 scores
Timeframe: 3-month post treatment completion