To evaluate the efficacy, acceptability, and mechanisms of change associated with Memory-Focused Therapy (MFT) for Afghan youth affected by trauma.
Approach:
Study Design: A single-group repeated-measures design with 26 participants assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up.
Intervention: MFT was delivered in 12 structured group sessions targeting autobiographical memory processing, acceptance-based regulation, and future self-construction.
Data Collection: Standardized measures of PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress, cognitive avoidance, cognitive fusion, resilience, and posttraumatic growth were administered, alongside qualitative data from interviews and field notes.
Key Findings:
Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, cognitive avoidance, and cognitive fusion from baseline to post-intervention.
Significant increases in posttraumatic growth, with many improvements maintained at follow-up.
Qualitative themes included facilitator experiences, cognitive and emotional processing improvements, growth in meaning and relationships, and reduced avoidance of traumatic memories.
Interpretation:
MFT appears to be a feasible and acceptable intervention for trauma-affected Afghan youth, supporting improvements in psychological coherence, self-continuity, and resilience.
Limitations:
The study design was not controlled, limiting the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
The sample size was small, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Conclusion:
Further controlled and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these effects and examine underlying mechanisms.
