Rescripting early memories linked to negative images in social phobia: a pilot study.

Full Abstract

Negative self-images are a maintaining factor in social phobia. A retrospective study (Hackmann, A., Clark, D.M., McManus, F. (2000). Recurrent images and early memories in social phobia. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38, 601-610) suggested that the images may be linked to early memories of unpleasant social experiences. This preliminary study assessed the therapeutic impact of rescripting such memories. Patients with social phobia (N=11) attended 2 sessions, 1 week apart. The first was a control session in which their images and memories were discussed but not modified. The second was an experimental session in which cognitive restructuring followed by an imagery with rescripting procedure was used to contextualize and update the memories. No change was observed after the control session. The experimental session led to significant improvement in negative beliefs, image and memory distress and vividness, fear of negative evaluation, and anxiety in feared social situations. The results suggest that rescripting unpleasant memories linked to negative self-images may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of social phobia.

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Author information

Author/s: Wild, Jennifer (J); Hackmann, Ann (A); Clark, David M (DM);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, London, England. j.wild(-atsign-)iop.kcl.ac.uk

Grants: (Agency:United Kingdom Wellcome Trust)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Behavior therapy (Behav Ther), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Mar; vol 39 (issue 1) : pp 47-56

Dates: Created 2008/03/10; Completed 2008/06/03;

PMID: 18328869, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Male
Memory
Middle Aged
Phobic Disorders - psychology; therapy
Pilot Projects
Social Adjustment
Treatment Outcome

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