Imagery Rescripting of Autobiographical Memories Versus Intrusive Images in Individuals with Disordered Eating

Abstract

Background This study compared the effect of imagery rescripting (ImRs) of early autobiographical memories to ImRs of intrusive images and a no task control condition on eating disorder (ED) related core beliefs and ED symptoms in individuals at risk of developing an eating disorder. We qualitatively explored the content of ImRs scripts. Method Participants (N = 66, 87.8% females) were allocated to one of three conditions: ImRs of autobiographical memories, ImRs of intrusive images, or a no task control condition. Participants in the ImRs conditions received a 9-min self-guided ImRs intervention in the lab and practiced ImRs daily for the next 6 days online. Participants in the no task control condition took a 9-min break and did not do any further tasks. All participants attended a follow-up testing 1 week after the lab session. Results Both ImRs manipulations resulted in greater reductions in negative core beliefs and ED symptoms compared to the no task control group. However, there were no differences among the two ImRs groups. The most widely used rescripting strategy was self-compassion, followed by unhealthy, ED-confirming strategies. No significant associations were found between the ImRs strategies and any of the outcome measures. Conclusion ImRs may be a promising intervention for individuals with disordered eating and both early memories as well as intrusive images may be useful targets.

Intrusive images, autobiographical memories, and core beliefs of patients with an eating disorder

“…Future studies can test this hypothesis by counterbalancing whether participants are asked to come up with an intrusive image first or an autobiographical memory first. On the other hand, initial evidence suggests that imagery rescripting of both intrusive images and autobiographical memories leads to a reduction of negative core beliefs and ED symptoms in individuals with a high risk for EDs (Kadriu et al, 2021). Perhaps intrusive images are not merely derivates of meaningful autobiographical memories but become high in emotional impact and meaning themselves.…”

“…Theoretically, knowing whether there is similarity between intrusive images and memories in content and characteristics is important because it could teach us about the origin of intrusive images, that is, whether they indeed have high input from earlier memories. Clinically, the exploration of the similarities between intrusive images and autobiographical memories is important given that several interventions (e.g., imagery rescripting) may target negative memories as well as intrusive images (Arntz, 2012; Kadriu et al, 2021), and studying their differences/similarities can inform us whether to target intrusive images or autobiographical memories.…”

“…Clinically, the exploration of the similarities between intrusive images and autobiographical memories is important given that several interventions (e.g., imagery rescripting) may target negative memories as well as intrusive images (Arntz, 2012;Kadriu et al, 2021), and studying their differences/similarities can inform us whether to target intrusive images or autobiographical memories.…”