The effects of dual-tasks on intrusive memories following analogue trauma.
Behav Res Ther
; 120: 103448, 2019 09.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31398536
ABSTRACT
Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder frequently and involuntarily experience intrusions, which are strongly linked to the trauma hotspot. Voluntary memory characteristics (i.e., vividness and unpleasantness) of this hotspot can be reduced by performing a dual-task, such as making horizontal eye movements, which is frequently used in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. We tested whether such dual-task interventions would also reduce involuntary memory (i.e., intrusions). Moreover, we examined if changes in hotspot vividness and unpleasantness predicted intrusion frequency. Additionally, we examined whether the effects were dependent on dual-task modality. We tested this in three experiments. Participants watched a trauma film and performed one of the interventions 10-min post-film (1) Recall + Eye movements, (2) Recall + Counting, or (3) No-Task Control. Before and after the intervention, participants rated the hotspot vividness and unpleasantness. They recorded intrusive memories about the film in a diary for a week. Unexpectedly, we found that hotspot vividness and unpleasantness ratings were not affected by the intervention. However, the prolonged (experiment 2), but not standard (experiment 1), dual-task interventions resulted in a lower number of intrusions, regardless of modality. However, this effect was not replicated in experiment 3. We discuss potential explanations and present suggestions for future research.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Recuerdo Mental
/
Atención
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Movimientos Oculares
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Trauma Psicológico
/
Memoria a Corto Plazo
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Behav Res Ther
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article