Memory-Focused Therapy: From Trauma to Growth

Memory-Focused Therapy (MFT) is an integrative psychological intervention developed to reduce trauma symptoms, emotional distress, and maladaptive cognitive processes among Afghan youth exposed to war and terrorist violence. Preliminary findings showed significant improvements in PTSD, depression, anxiety, resilience, and posttraumatic growth, suggesting that MFT may be a feasible and culturally adaptable intervention for conflict-affected adolescents in humanitarian settings.

Connecting past, present, and future through Memory-Focused Therapy (MFT)

Findings from a Preliminary Study

Afghan adolescents exposed to war trauma and terrorist violence often experience high levels of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. This preliminary study evaluated the effectiveness of Memory-Focused Therapy (MFT), an integrative intervention designed to support autobiographical memory processing, emotional regulation, and future-oriented growth among youth affected by the Kaaj Education Center attack in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Results from 12 structured group sessions showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, cognitive avoidance, and cognitive fusion, alongside increases in resilience and posttraumatic growth. Qualitative findings also suggested improvements in emotional processing, meaning-making, relationships, and future orientation.

Overall, findings provide preliminary evidence that MFT may be a feasible, culturally adaptable, and potentially effective intervention for trauma-affected Afghan youth living in humanitarian settings.