Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026
09:55
Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
13.2K
Linguistic processing and Script-Driven Imagery for trauma exposure: A proof of concept pilot trial
Lily A Brown1, Carolyn D Davies2, Alexander Gerlach3
1University of California, Department of Psychology, 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States; University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, 3535 Market Street Suite 600N, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States.
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|June 12, 2018
Summary
Computerized imaginal exposure training shows promise for reducing trauma distress and physiological activation in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Linguistic processing techniques may enhance these therapeutic effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Existing treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have limitations in availability and efficacy.
- Script-Driven Imagery Training (SDI-T) is a computerized imaginal exposure therapy.
- Linguistic processing, including affect labeling and distraction, may augment therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a computerized imaginal exposure Script-Driven Imagery Training (SDI-T).
- To determine if linguistic processing (affect labeling or distraction) enhances SDI-T effects for individuals with elevated trauma reactivity.
- To assess the acceptability and effectiveness of SDI-T with and without linguistic processing.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study randomized 64 participants with trauma-related distress into three groups: SDI-T, SDI-T with affect labeling (SDI-T+AL), and SDI-T with distraction (SDI-T+D).
- Physiological responses and self-reported trauma distress were measured before and after training.
- Statistical analyses, including effect sizes (Cohen's d), were used to compare outcomes between groups.
Main Results:
- The computerized imaginal exposure training was acceptable and reduced self-reported distress (d=-0.41) and physiological activation (d=-0.49).
- Linguistic processing groups (SDI-T+AL and SDI-T+D) showed a significantly steeper reduction in physiological responses compared to SDI-T alone (d=0.59).
- No significant difference in efficacy was found between affect labeling and distraction techniques.
Conclusions:
- Computerized imaginal exposure training, specifically SDI-T, is a potentially acceptable and effective intervention for PTSD.
- Linguistic inhibitory regulation techniques may enhance the physiological benefits of imaginal exposure therapy.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications and optimize these digital therapeutic approaches for trauma-related distress.
Related Concept Videos
02:10Social Scripts
10.3K
People tend to know what behavior is expected of them in specific, familiar settings. A script is a person’s knowledge about the sequence of events expected in a specific setting (Schank & Abelson, 1977). Essentially, scripts are a particular kind of schema, one containing default values for the features within an event. In the restaurant example, the script's features include the props (e.g., tables, menu, food, and money), the roles to be played (e.g., customer and waiter),...
10.3K
00:52Social Proof
32.4K
Social proof is a form of persuasion based on comparison and conformity. People compare their behavior and actions to what others are doing and will change to conform to do what their peers do.
32.4K
01:21Pilot and Numeric Relaying
492
Pilot relaying is a type of differential protection used in power systems. It compares electrical quantities at the terminals of equipment via a communication channel instead of direct relay interconnection. This method is essential for transmission lines where the terminals are far apart, typically up to 80 km for lines with 69 to 115 kV ratings. Four types of communication channels are used for pilot relaying:
492
01:19Self-Concept
1.7K
Self-concept is the cognitive and emotional understanding individuals hold about their identity. It evolves through various developmental stages, beginning in infancy and maturing as children grow. This concept influences how individuals perceive their abilities, interact with others, and manage challenges throughout life.
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
1.7K
01:11Clinical Trials: Overview
5.0K
Clinical development focuses on how the drug will interact with the human body and encompasses four key phases of clinical trials, each serving a specific purpose in assessing the safety and effectiveness of new drugs. These phases overlap and build upon one another. Phase I involves a small group of healthy volunteers (typically 20-80 individuals) or, in cases where significant toxicity is expected, patients with the targeted disease, such as cancer or AIDS. The volunteers are tested for...
5.0K
01:12Trial and Error and Algorithm
425
A problem-solving strategy is a plan of action used to find a solution. Different strategies have distinct action plans. Trial and error involves trying different solutions until one works. For instance, to fix a broken printer, you might check ink levels, ensure the paper tray isn't jammed, and verify the printer's connection to your laptop. This method can be time-consuming but is commonly used. Thomas Edison, for example, used trial and error to find a suitable filament for the light...
425