Moderating effects of dysregulation and fear of positive emotions on the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and positive memory count

OBJECTIVES: We examined moderating effects of positive emotion dysregulation and fear of positive emotions in the relation between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity and positive memory count. METHOD: = 35.44; 61.50% female). RESULTS: Moderation analyses indicated interaction effects of PTSD severity with nonacceptance of positive emotions (b = -0.01, p = .002) and difficulties with goal-directed behaviors when experiencing positive emotions (b = -0.01, p = .006) on positive memory count. CONCLUSIONS: Greater PTSD severity was associated with more specific positive memories when individuals reported less nonacceptance of positive emotions and fewer difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviors in the context of positive emotions. Greater PTSD severity was associated with fewer specific positive memories when individuals reported greater nonacceptance of positive emotions and greater difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviors in the context of positive emotions. Results support addressing positive emotion dysregulation in memory-focused interventions for PTSD.