Effects of Traumatic Incident Reduction on Posttraumatic Symptoms in a Community

This study examined the effectiveness of traumatic incident reduction (TIR) among a sample of adults with trauma histories through a review of client records. TIR is a brief, structured, person-centered, memory-based intervention that helps individuals process traumatic memories, thus eliminating or significantly reducing negative psychological consequences and promoting insight and growth. On average, participants (N = 247) were 37 years old (SD = 10.98), mostly women, and racially and ethnically diverse. Self-reported posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and expectations for future success were assessed prior to treatment, midway, and after treatment. A series of analysis of covariance models with repeated measures were examined, controlling for participants’ biological sex and total number of hours spent in psychoeducational groups. Posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms were significantly reduced, and expectations for future success increased. Findings support the potential of TIR to positively impact clients’ mental health and well-being