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Published on: August 26, 2011
Rescripting early memories linked to negative images in social phobia: a pilot study
Jennifer Wild1, Ann Hackmann, David M Clark
1Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, London, England. j.wild@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Behavior Therapy
|March 11, 2008
Summary
Rescripting unpleasant memories linked to negative self-images significantly improved social phobia symptoms. This cognitive therapy technique, involving imagery rescripting, offers a promising adjunct treatment for social anxiety disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Negative self-images are a key factor in maintaining social phobia.
- Previous research suggests a link between negative self-images and early unpleasant social memories.
- Understanding this link is crucial for developing effective social phobia treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the therapeutic impact of rescripting early unpleasant social memories in individuals with social phobia.
- To investigate if modifying these memories can alleviate social phobia symptoms.
- To evaluate the efficacy of cognitive restructuring combined with imagery rescripting.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary study involving 11 patients diagnosed with social phobia.
- Two sessions were conducted one week apart: a control session and an experimental session.
- The experimental session utilized cognitive restructuring and imagery rescripting to update negative memories.
Main Results:
- The control session showed no significant changes in symptoms.
- The experimental session resulted in significant improvements in negative beliefs, memory distress, and fear of negative evaluation.
- Patients reported reduced anxiety in feared social situations and decreased vividness of negative images and memories.
Conclusions:
- Rescripting unpleasant memories associated with negative self-images appears to be a beneficial adjunctive therapy for social phobia.
- The findings support the use of cognitive restructuring and imagery rescripting in treating social anxiety disorder.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary results in larger clinical trials.
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