Threat memory devaluation by a dual-task intervention: Testing return of fear and intrusive memory over 48 hours

In dual-tasking, individuals recall a threat-related memory while performing a demanding dual-task. This is a fruitful approach to reduce the unpleasantness and vividness of aversive memories and to reduce conditioned fear responses. Crucially, it remains unclear whether dual-tasking can also reduce conditioned fear responses and intrusive memories over time. In this pre-registered two-day fear conditioning paradigm, we examined whether a dual-task intervention reduces return of fear and the frequency of intrusive memories of an aversive film over time.

On Day 1, 76 healthy participants underwent fear acquisition with aversive film clips. They were then randomly allocated to one of three conditions: dual-tasking, memory recall without a dual-task ('recall only'), or no task. Afterwards, they underwent an extinction phase and were asked to record intrusive film memories over 48 h. On Day 3, return of fear was assessed.

On Day 1, fear acquisition and extinction were successful. On Day 3, spontaneous recovery and renewal were evident, but, overall, participants reported few intrusions. The dual-task and recall only groups reported reduced unpleasantness of threat memory compared to the no task group, but they did not show reduced (return of) fear responses or fewer intrusions.

Intrusion frequency was low in all three groups, which limits the detection of intervention effects.

Even though dual-tasking and recall only devalued threat memory temporarily compared to no task, these interventions did not reduce (return of) fear responses and intrusions. Future studies could focus on improving the potency of imagery-based interventions.