The Effect of Imagery Rescripting on Core Beliefs in Social Anxiety and the Moderating Role of Imagery Ability

Abstract

There is a shortage of knowledge of the moderating effect of imagery ability on core beliefs in imagery rescripting (ImRs) outcomes. This pilot study experimentally investigated the effect of ImRs compared to a positive memories control condition on negative core beliefs. Secondly, it investigated the effect of imagery ability as a moderator of core beliefs in both conditions. It was predicted that imagery ability would moderate core beliefs, in ImRs and not in positive memories. Participants (N = 45, 75.6% females) were adults with a subclinical score of social anxiety disorder (SAD). For 5 days, participants in both conditions completed daily online 7-min interventional assignments. In the ImRs condition participants rescripted early autobiographical memories related to social anxiety, whereas in the control condition participants paid attention to sensory details of positive memories. Negative core beliefs were measured at baseline and at follow-up. Contrary to predictions, no significant differences were found between the conditions. Both, the ImRs (d = 0.57) and the positive memories control condition (d = 0.66) resulted in a significant reduction in negative core beliefs. Further, across conditions imagery ability significantly moderated core beliefs, where higher imagery ability at baseline resulted in more reduction of core beliefs in both conditions. Summarizing, this study shows that both brief ImRs and positive memories interventions are effective in reducing negative core beliefs in individuals at risk for SAD and that clinical practice should take the importance of assessment and training of higher imagery ability into account when applying these interventions..