Traumatic experiences often generate fear memories—vivid, sensory, and intrusive
recollections that remain disconnected from context and contribute to the persistence of
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Contemporary neurocognitive research (Hermans et
al., 2017; Mary et al., 2020; Boccia et al., 2022) suggests that trauma impairs the integration
of memory systems linking the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, resulting in
fragmented emotional recall. This project explores how peer-support narrative frameworks
may help re-contextualize such memories by combining shared storytelling with reflective
dialogue. The study employs a mixed qualitative-neurocognitive design: (1) a literature
review synthesizing trauma memory and cognitive-affective regulation research; (2) focus-
group discussions examining how individuals describe and interpret distress, fear, and
recovery; and (3) pre-/post-assessments of intrusive memory frequency, perceived stress,
working memory, and emotion-regulation indices. Quantitative data will provide
measurable indicators of cognitive-emotional change, while narrative analysis will capture
meaning-making processes within group interaction. Preliminary observations indicate that
shared reflection fosters decreased distress and greater coherence in trauma narratives. By
integrating neurocognitive models of memory reconsolidation with peer-based dialogue,
the research aims to develop an accessible, evidence-informed framework for
contextualizing fear memories and enhancing resilience across community and clinical
populations.