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Journal of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Research
|
Volume 3
Page 49
allied
academies
J u n e 2 8 - 2 9 , 2 0 1 8 | D u b l i n , I r e l a n d
Joint Event on
NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
&
International Conference on
International Conference on
THE ROLE OF SIMULATION IN IMAGERY RESCRIPTING FOR
POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: A SINGLE CASE SERIES
Kathy Looney
University College Dublin, Ireland
L
ittle is known about the mechanisms for change involved in Imagery Rescripting (ImRs), an image-based therapy technique used
to target intrusive imagery in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by imagining alternative endings to traumatic events (Arntz,
2012). The aim of this work was to explore the role of simulation as a mechanism for change in ImRs. Both ImRs and simulation
involve the mental construction of a hypothetical event that has not actually happened. It was hypothesised that rescript simulation
levels would link to reductions in (1) image intrusiveness and counterfactual thinking associated with intrusive images.
Design:
Seven individual cases with a diagnosis of PTSD were followed for the duration of rescripting of one image using a single
case experimental design.
Methods:
Participants completed continuous Symptom Severity measures and pre-/post- counterfactual thinking measures.
All sessions were recorded and coded for goodness of simulation (GOS) as well as additional factors (e.g. rescript believability,
vividness).
Results:
Using Jacobson and Traux’s (1991) Reliable Change Index, participants were divided into high- and low-responders and
coding was compared across groups. High-responders rescripts were rated as well-simulated while low-responders rescripts
were in the less-well simulated range. Additional factors (e.g. intensity of thoughts/emotions related to original and new imagery
elements, level of cognitive and emotional shift and belief in the resultant rescript) were also linked to reductions in Symptom
Severity. Individual case analysis supports these results. Participants who experienced the greatest change in symptom severity
also experienced the greatest changes in counterfactual thinking, and very tentative support suggests that this was linked to
simulation levels.
Conclusions:
Tentative support is offered for the role of simulation in reductions in Symptom Severity and counterfactual thinking
in ImRs. However, due to limited statistical analysis and small sample size, further research is necessary.
kathy.looney@ucd.ieJ Neurol Neurorehabil Res 2018, Volume 3