ImRs: Mechanisms of Action in Treatment for PTSD (Version One)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Imagery Rescripting (ImRs): Mechanisms of Action in Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
IRAS ID
184367
Contact name
Zoe Chessell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 23 days
Research summary
Whilst imagery techniques have been used therapeutically for thousands of years (Edwards, 2007, 2011) research into Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) is in its early stages. ImRs is a therapeutic technique that addresses specific memories of earlier experiences associated with present problems to change the meaning of emotional memories and images, with the aim of alleviating associated distress (Arntz, 2012; Dibbets & Arntz, 2015). Research has demonstrated ImRs to be effective with a range of presenting problems, but particularly effective with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as symptoms include persistent intrusions of distressing traumatic memories and images (Arntz, 2012). However, despite this evidence of effectiveness, there is a marked lack of research into the mechanisms of action that underlie ImRs. Theories have been suggested which aid understanding; however as yet there is no agreement regarding the method of change. Therefore, the proposed study aims to examine the experience of those who have experienced ImRs for PTSD, including what they believe makes ImRs a helpful or unhelpful technique, to then develop a model to explain the potential mechanisms of action underlying ImRs for treatment of PTSD.
The proposed study therefore plans to recruit eight-twelve participants, aged 18-no upper limit, who are either currently having treatment for PTSD or have completed treatment in the last six months, at a London based Traumatic Stress Service (TSS). Participants will have completed a memory-reliving component of treatment and a minimum of one session of ImRs. One off interviews, lasting approximately 60 minutes, will be conducted and the information gained analysed using a Grounded Theory approach (Charmaz, 2014). Subsequently, a model of the potential mechanisms of action underlying ImRs will be proposed. This is of potential benefit as the greater the understanding of this technique the more effectively clinicians can utilise it therapeutically in the future.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0796
Date of REC Opinion
29 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion