Flashforward imagery in speech anxiety: Characteristics and associations with anxiety and avoidance

Abstract

Speech anxiety (SA) is a highly prevalent social fear. Prospective ‘flashforward’ (FF) imagery of an upcoming social catastrophe may be a particularly important cognitive factor in SA persistence via eliciting anxiety and avoidance behaviors. Since earlier research on imagery and social anxiety has not strictly differentiated between types of negative imagery, the occurrence, precise features, and impact of FF imagery remain unclear. We therefore examined the phenomenological characteristics of FF imagery in SA and mapped the relationship between FF imagery features and anxiety and avoidance. Female participants who approached clinical levels of SA (N = 60) completed questionnaires on SA and avoidance behaviors, and rated anxiety and avoidance in anticipation of an actual speech. FF imagery and emotionally linked autobiographical memories were assessed with semi-structured interviews. All participants reported recurring FF images, which were experienced as vivid, distressing, field perspective images with accompanying negative feelings. Image distress and feelings of threat showed most consistent associations with SA and avoidance measures. Findings add to the conceptualization of SA, and support the clinical relevance of assessing FF imagery. Future experimental studies on FF imagery characteristics are necessary to test the proposed causal impact in SA persistence and to inform additional treatment targets.

Interventions Targeting Negative Mental Imagery in Social Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Characteristics and Outcomes

“…This is of interest as previous findings have shown that these forms of negative imagery appear prevalent and relevant as well in social anxiety (e.g., Ashbaugh, Fishman, and Houle‐Johnson 2019; Homer and Deeprose 2018; Thunnissen et al. 2022). Questions remain on how to best determine the target image(s) that would also be of key relevance for treating social anxiety.…”

“…Besides, imagery vividness has previously shown inconsistencies in terms of its relationship with social anxiety symptoms (e.g., Thunnissen et al. 2022). Future research could therefore include other imagery characteristics and imagery appraisals that may relate to the detrimental impact of negative images in assessing intervention effects (e.g., imagery appraisals such as linked beliefs, as was assessed several times by studies on IR [see Table S2.1 in Appendix S2], or subjective probability of imagined outcomes; e.g., Landkroon et al.…”

“…These negative images can take the form of prospective aversive outcomes, autobiographical memories of negative events, or other intrusive images (Ashbaugh, Fishman, and Houle‐Johnson 2019; Homer and Deeprose 2018; Thunnissen et al. 2022). Individuals are often able to recall an autobiographical memory of a negative event that seems to be linked to current imagery (Hackmann, Clark, and McManus 2000; Schreiber and Steil 2013).…”

Repetition and practice. Developing mental training with young violinists: a collaboration

“…Whilst these structures are involved in the production of mental imagery, it is important to note that the amygdala also seems to be involved when negative mental imagery is generated—imagery that envisages negative outcomes in performance ( MacNamara, 2018 ). Negative imagery has been recognised in sports literature as being detrimental to performance (see Morris et al, 2005 ), and is associated with anxiety and negative performance outcomes in psychology research ( Thunnissen et al, 2022 ). Indeed, anxiety initiates a stress response: muscle tension, activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and the initiation of “fight or flight” reactions, which can impede both retrieval of stored information and knowledge acquisition (see Perry, 2006 ).…”