Stress Disorders, Post-TraumaticNCT05523453
Examining Effects of a Therapeutic Focus on Positive Memories on Post-Trauma Health
A study testing Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) and Supportive Counseling (SC) in people with Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic and Affect, run by University of North Texas, Denton, TX at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
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… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Affect, Memory
- What is being tested?
- Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) and Supportive Counseling (SC)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 23 Feb 2023to 19 Feb 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 18-65 years old
- Willing/able to provide informed consent
- Past month DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis
- Working knowledge of English
Who cannot join
- Active suicidal intent or attempts
- Active psychosis
- Currently receiving mental health therapy (past 3 months)
- Dosage changes in psychiatric medications (past 3 months)
- Currently pregnant
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Examination and Refinement of a Novel Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT)
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.
Read more
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.
- Conditions
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Affect, Memory
- Being tested
- Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT), Supportive Counseling (SC)
- Medical subject headings
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT)Behavioural
PPMT comprises of 5 sessions focused on identifying and processing positive memories. In Session 1-5, participants narrate details of one positive memory, and process the positive memory to elicit positive values, affect, strengths, and thoughts.
Supportive Counseling (SC)Behavioural
SC is a 5-session, active and non-specific treatment administered weekly, which includes a discussion of the daily monitoring diary and exploration of current issues and concerns.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) | Active comparator | Participants receive 5 60-minute Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) sessions for PTSD following the treatment procedures as outlined in PPMT therapy manual. Receives: Behavioral: Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) |
| Supportive Counseling (SC) | Active comparator | Participants receive 5 60-minute supportive counseling (SC) sessions. SC includes a discussion of the daily monitoring diary and exploration of current issues and concerns. Receives: Behavioral: Supportive Counseling (SC) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Measured: Baseline
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Measured: Week 1 post-baseline during therapy session
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Measured: Week 2 post-baseline during therapy session
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Measured: Week 3 post-baseline during therapy session
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Measured: Week 4 post-baseline during therapy session
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Measured: Week 5 post-baseline during therapy session
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Measured: 1 week after the last therapy session, at week 6 post-baseline
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Measured: 3-months posttreatment completion, at week 18 post-baseline
Secondary outcomes (10)
Awakening Salivary Alpha Amylase to Cortisol Ratio
Via a passive drool procedure, participants provided 3 whole saliva samples each day for 2 consecutive days both prior to PPMT/SC: (1) immediately upon awakening, (2) 30 minutes post-awakening, and (3) 60 minutes post-awakening. For each marker, for each day, area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg) was calculated. The two-day average AUCg of sAA was then divided by the two-day average AUCg of cortisol to create the ratio variable. Higher sAA/cortisol ratio indicates greater stress system dysregulation and sympathetic nervous system dominance.
Measured: 3 times each day for 2 consecutive days prior to first therapy session
Awakening Salivary Alpha Amylase to Cortisol Ratio
Via a passive drool procedure, participants provided 3 whole saliva samples each day for 2 consecutive days one week following PPMT/SC: (1) immediately upon awakening, (2) 30 minutes post-awakening, and (3) 60 minutes post-awakening. For each marker, for each day, area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg) was calculated. The two-day average AUCg of sAA was then divided by the two-day average AUCg of cortisol to create the ratio variable. Higher sAA/cortisol ratio indicates greater stress system dysregulation and sympathetic nervous system dominance.
Measured: 3 times each day for 2 consecutive days after the last therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
The 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) examined past-week positive and negative affect levels. There were 10 items for each of the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales, which measure past-week positive and negative affect respectively.
Response options ranged from 1 (not at all/very slightly) to 5 (extremely), with the possible range being from 10 to 50 for each subscale. Higher scores mean more self-reported positive affect and negative affect for the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales respectively.
Measured: Baseline
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
The 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) examined past-week positive and negative affect levels. There were 10 items for each of the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales, which measure past-week positive and negative affect respectively.
Response options ranged from 1 (not at all/very slightly) to 5 (extremely), with the possible range being from 10 to 50 for each subscale. Higher scores mean more self-reported positive affect and negative affect for the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales respectively.
Measured: Week 1 post-baseline during therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
The 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) examined past-week positive and negative affect levels. There were 10 items for each of the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales, which measure past-week positive and negative affect respectively.
Response options ranged from 1 (not at all/very slightly) to 5 (extremely), with the possible range being from 10 to 50 for each subscale. Higher scores mean more self-reported positive affect and negative affect for the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales respectively.
Measured: Week 2 post-baseline during therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
The 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) examined past-week positive and negative affect levels. There were 10 items for each of the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales, which measure past-week positive and negative affect respectively.
Response options ranged from 1 (not at all/very slightly) to 5 (extremely), with the possible range being from 10 to 50 for each subscale. Higher scores mean more self-reported positive affect and negative affect for the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales respectively.
Measured: Week 3 post-baseline during therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
The 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) examined past-week positive and negative affect levels. There were 10 items for each of the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales, which measure past-week positive and negative affect respectively.
Response options ranged from 1 (not at all/very slightly) to 5 (extremely), with the possible range being from 10 to 50 for each subscale. Higher scores mean more self-reported positive affect and negative affect for the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales respectively.
Measured: Week 4 post-baseline during therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
The 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) examined past-week positive and negative affect levels. There were 10 items for each of the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales, which measure past-week positive and negative affect respectively.
Response options ranged from 1 (not at all/very slightly) to 5 (extremely), with the possible range being from 10 to 50 for each subscale. Higher scores mean more self-reported positive affect and negative affect for the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales respectively.
Measured: Week 5 post-baseline during therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
The 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) examined past-week positive and negative affect levels. There were 10 items for each of the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales, which measure past-week positive and negative affect respectively.
Response options ranged from 1 (not at all/very slightly) to 5 (extremely), with the possible range being from 10 to 50 for each subscale. Higher scores mean more self-reported positive affect and negative affect for the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales respectively.
Measured: 1 week after the last therapy session, at week 6 post-baseline
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
The 20-item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) examined past-week positive and negative affect levels. There were 10 items for each of the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales, which measure past-week positive and negative affect respectively.
Response options ranged from 1 (not at all/very slightly) to 5 (extremely), with the possible range being from 10 to 50 for each subscale. Higher scores mean more self-reported positive affect and negative affect for the PANAS-Positive and PANAS-Negative subscales respectively.
Measured: 3-months posttreatment completion, at week 18 post-baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted31 Aug 2022
- Study start23 Feb 2023
- Primary completion19 Feb 2025
- Study completion19 Feb 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Stress Disorders, Post-TraumaticStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of North Texas, Denton, TX
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ateka Contractor, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
- Investigators
- Ateka Contractor, PHD, Principal investigator, University of North Texas Health Science Center
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05523453
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- R15MH129773-01A1
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Aug 2022
- Last updated
- 16 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Rodenbaugh MM, Almeida I, Solakoglu L, Jin L, Contractor AA. Client and therapist experiences with the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) in a randomized controlled trial: insights for protocol refinement. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2026 Dec;17(1):2692887. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2026.2692887. Epub 2026 Jul 29.
PubMed 42522746Contractor AA, Rosenfield D, Almeida IM, Wang S, Taylor DJ, Weiss NH, Shea MT. Comparison of the processing of positive memories technique and supportive counseling for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Behav Res Ther. 2026 Aug;203:105087. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2026.105087. Epub 2026 May 19.
PubMed 42172818Contractor AA, Blumenthal H, Rosenfield D, Shea MT, Taylor DJ, Fentem A, Vingren JL. Study protocol and rationale for a pilot randomized clinical trial comparing processing of positive memories technique with supportive counseling for PTSD. Contemp Clin Trials. 2024 Mar;138:107455. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107455. Epub 2024 Jan 20.
PubMed 38253251
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Examination and Refinement of a Novel Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05523453
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- R15MH129773-01A1
- Conditions
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Affect, Memory
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of North Texas, Denton, TXUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 23 Feb 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 19 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 19 Feb 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 31 Aug 2022 (actual)
- Results
- Posted 31 Aug 2026
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT)Participants receive 5 60-minute Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) sessions for PTSD following the treatment procedures as outlined in PPMT therapy manual. |
| Supportive Counseling (SC) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Supportive Counseling (SC)Participants receive 5 60-minute supportive counseling (SC) sessions. SC includes a discussion of the daily monitoring diary and exploration of current issues and concerns. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 18-65 years old
- Willing/able to provide informed consent
- Past month DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis
- Working knowledge of English
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Active suicidal intent or attempts
- Active psychosis
- Currently receiving mental health therapy (past 3 months)
- Dosage changes in psychiatric medications (past 3 months)
- Currently pregnant
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT)PPMT comprises of 5 sessions focused on identifying and processing positive memories. In Session 1-5, participants narrate details of one positive memory, and process the positive memory to elicit positive values, affect, strengths, and thoughts. | Behavioural | Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) |
| Supportive Counseling (SC)SC is a 5-session, active and non-specific treatment administered weekly, which includes a discussion of the daily monitoring diary and exploration of current issues and concerns. | Behavioural | Supportive Counseling (SC) |
Primary outcome
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
Time frame: Baseline
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
Time frame: Week 1 post-baseline during therapy session
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
Time frame: Week 2 post-baseline during therapy session
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
Time frame: Week 3 post-baseline during therapy session
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
Time frame: Week 4 post-baseline during therapy session
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
Time frame: Week 5 post-baseline during therapy session
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
Time frame: 1 week after the last therapy session, at week 6 post-baseline
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores
Time frame: 3-months posttreatment completion, at week 18 post-baseline
The 20-item self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed past-week posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Response options ranged from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely), with the possible range being from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate more PTSD symptom severity.
10 secondary outcomes
Awakening Salivary Alpha Amylase to Cortisol Ratio
Time frame: 3 times each day for 2 consecutive days prior to first therapy session
Awakening Salivary Alpha Amylase to Cortisol Ratio
Time frame: 3 times each day for 2 consecutive days after the last therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
Time frame: Baseline
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
Time frame: Week 1 post-baseline during therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
Time frame: Week 2 post-baseline during therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
Time frame: Week 3 post-baseline during therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
Time frame: Week 4 post-baseline during therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
Time frame: Week 5 post-baseline during therapy session
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
Time frame: 1 week after the last therapy session, at week 6 post-baseline
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
Time frame: 3-months posttreatment completion, at week 18 post-baseline
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Oct 2026.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42522746Rodenbaugh MM, Almeida I, Solakoglu L, Jin L, Contractor AA. Client and therapist experiences with the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) in a randomized controlled trial: insights for protocol refinement. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2026 Dec;17(1):2692887. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2026.2692887. Epub 2026 Jul 29.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42172818Contractor AA, Rosenfield D, Almeida IM, Wang S, Taylor DJ, Weiss NH, Shea MT. Comparison of the processing of positive memories technique and supportive counseling for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Behav Res Ther. 2026 Aug;203:105087. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2026.105087. Epub 2026 May 19.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 38253251Contractor AA, Blumenthal H, Rosenfield D, Shea MT, Taylor DJ, Fentem A, Vingren JL. Study protocol and rationale for a pilot randomized clinical trial comparing processing of positive memories technique with supportive counseling for PTSD. Contemp Clin Trials. 2024 Mar;138:107455. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107455. Epub 2024 Jan 20.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Ateka Contractor, PHD principal investigator
University of North Texas Health Science Center
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) and Supportive Counseling (SC) in people with Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic and Affect, run by University of North Texas, Denton, TX at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 31 Aug 2026). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Scores (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05523453, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Oct 2026.