Future-oriented imagery rescripting facilitates conducting behavioral experiments in social anxiety

Abstract

Distressing mental images are common in anxiety disorders and can make it difficult for patients to confront feared situations. This study examined whether imagery rescripting focused on a feared social situation prepares participants to engage in a feared situation. Sixty healthy individuals were asked to formulate a behavioral experiment to test negative beliefs about a social situation they feared. They were assigned to one of two groups: imagery rescripting focused on the feared outcome of the behavioral experiment or no imagery rescripting (i.e., a break). All participants were then asked to complete ratings scales and to conduct the behavioral experiment. Before the behavioral experiment, the imagery rescripting condition, compared to the control condition, showed reduced anticipated probability and severity of the feared outcome, lower anxiety and helplessness levels, and increased willingness to conduct the behavioral experiment. Imagery-based interventions focused on feared outcomes seem promising to prepare anxious individuals to engage in treatment.