Investigating the effect of post-retrieval imagery rescripting on the reinstatement of generalised fear

Post-retrieval extinction has been proposed to modify fear memories by introducing safety information during the reconsolidation window. Imagery rescripting (ImRS) is a visual imagery-based intervention that alters the valence of emotional memories through UCS revaluation. The integration of ImRS and extinction targets both UCS revaluation and expectancy revaluation, providing a dual mechanism for fear reduction. This study explores the combined effects of imagery rescripting (ImRS) and extinction during the reconsolidation window to attenuate the return of generalised fear. Sixty-one healthy individuals underwent fear acquisition and generalisation (Day 1), followed by intervention (Day 2: Reactivation- ImRS and Extinction group or ImRS and Extinction group). On Day 3, return of generalised fear through reinstatement was tested using unsignalled UCS presentations. Skin conductance responses (SCR), expectancy ratings, and valence ratings were the outcome measures. The reactivation-ImRS + extinction group showed reduced reinstatement effects compared to the ImRS + extinction group, evidenced by attenuated SCR and increased CS+ valence ratings. The current study suggests that imagery rescripting and extinction conducted post-retrieval is more effective in reducing the return of conditioned fear. Therefore, integrating ImRS with post-retrieval extinction may offer a novel therapeutic pathway for reducing fear relapse.