Effects of Imagery Intervention on the Experience of Parental Loss in Adulthood

Objective: This study investigates the effectiveness of imagery rescripting interventions for adults experiencing parental loss, a profoundly traumatic event. Method: Thirty-five participants were randomly assigned to either an imagery rescripting (IR) group, a reading and writing intervention group, or a control group. The IR intervention, applied once a week for three weeks, incorporated components. Results: Results demonstrated that the IR group showed significant reductions in grief-related emotions and improvements in cognitive appraisals compared to the other groups. These positive changes persisted for at least one week post-treatment. While both intervention groups experienced emotional shifts, the IR group exhibited greater changes in cognitive appraisals. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of imagery rescripting in addressing complex grief and suggests further exploration of imagery-based therapies for emotional distress related to parental loss.