Enhancing the Efficacy of Psychotherapeutic Imagery Techniques: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Detailed Summary

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examines the efficacy of Imagery Exposure (IE), Imagery Rescripting (ImRs), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) in individuals with a high fear of failure. Participants (N=220) were randomly assigned to IE, ImRs, ImRs with a 10-minute break (ImRs-DSR), or CFT-based Imagery Rescripting (CFT\_ImRs). Due to funding constraints, the CFT\_ImRs group included a reduced sample (N=40, targeting 30 completers). The two-week intervention consists of four structured imagery sessions. IE involves exposure to criticism-related memories without modification. In the ImRs group memory reactivation to criticism-related memories is followed by positive reappraisal. ImRs-DSR introduces a 10-minute delay before reappraisal to enhance memory updating. CFT\_ImRs incorporates Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) principles into reappraisal, emphasizing self-compassion. Primary outcomes include skin conductance level (SCL) and subjective emotional responses to criticism-related (and control) memories, changes in fear of failure and dysfunctional beliefs. All these variables are assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Results will be analyzed separately for: IE vs. ImRs (rescripting vs. exposure and physiological predictors), ImRs vs. ImRs-DSR (memory reconsolidation effects), IE vs. CFT\_ImRs (CFT vs. exposure efficacy).

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions