| Summary: | <p><strong>Objective:</strong> The study aimed to explore the content and features of loss-related memories in a sample of individuals bereaved by cancer with and without a probable diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder/persistent complex bereavement disorder (PGD/PCBD).</p>
<p><strong>Methods:</strong> Semi-structured interviews with 28 bereaved adults (PGD/PCBD = 12, NoPGD/PCBD = 16) were analysed using thematic analysis.</p>
<p><strong>Results:</strong> Three superordinate themes were identified: (1) intrusive imagery, (2) qualities of memory, and (3) triggers. Results showed that individuals suffering from probable PGD/PCBD reported a predominance of negative and upsetting memories, happy memories triggering pain and more negative intrusive imagery than those without PGD/PCBD.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Bereavement by cancer can result in troubling intrusive memories that overshadow positive memories. Sufferers of PGD/PCBD are more likely to experience loss-related memories as negative and upsetting. Clinical approaches that utilise memory processing may be of particular relevance in this group.</p>
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