The Effectiveness of Emotional Stimulus-based Working Memory Training in Improving the Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Adolescents with Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of emotional stimulus-based working memory training in improving the cognitive emotion regulation strategies in adolescents with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD). Methods: Based on the framework of single case and using multiple –baselines, 3 adolescents (2 females, 1 male) were candidated from one of the Labor Child Educational Centers of Karaj, using 2 instruments (SCID-I) and (IES-R). The participants, one by one, participated in 20 sessions of emotional working memory training. All participants were assessed during three stages (pre-training, during training, and 2-month follow-up), using Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Kids form (CERQ-k). Data were analyzed using the indexes for trend changes, gradients and revision of the charts, and the clinical significance was determined using Cohen's index, recovery percent and effect size. Results: The results showed that emotional stimulus-based working memory training is significantly effective in increasing adaptive strategies and reducing maladaptive strategies of cognitive emotion regulation in adolescent with PTSD. Conclusion: According to the results, emotional stimulus-based working memory training can be an effective alternative for improving the cognitive emotion regulation strategies in adolescents with PTSD.