Imagery rescripting of early memories in social anxiety disorder: An experimental study

IntroductionEvidence suggests that negative self imagery plays an important role in social anxiety disorder (SAD) as a maintaining factor, and that early memories of traumatic experiences are linked to recurrent catastrophic images. Previous research has showed that cognitive restructuring combined with imagery rescripting of these memories may affect recurrent images resulting in less imagery distress and less anxiety in social situations. The present study replicated these effects using (a) a modified treatment with imagery rescripting without cognitive restructuring, and (b) an experimental between-groups design.MethodPatients with SAD (N = 14) were randomised either to imagery rescripting of early memories, or to a reading task.ResultsFollow-up after 1 week showed that the intervention led to significant improvements in memory and image distress, and reduced fears of negative evaluation and social interaction.DiscussionThe results indicate that imagery rescripting is effective even without cognitive restructuring and question the importance of the latter. However, the small sample limits the strength of the conclusions.ConclusionImagery rescripting of early distressful memories may be a powerful intervention in the treatment of SAD.

► We studied the effects of Imagery Rescripting (IR) of early traumatic memories in social anxiety disorder.
► IR led to reductions on distress associated with memories and recurrent catastrophic images.
► IR led to robust positive changes in clients' perception of themselves.
► The effects of IR were obtained without preceding Cognitive Restructuring.