Proof-of-concept and acceptability of an online imagery rescripting intervention for people experiencing intrusive imagery after suicide bereavement - 30/07/26
Highlights |
• | Proof-of-concept evidence supporting a novel ImRs intervention to reduce distressing intrusive imagery after suicide loss. |
• | Scores reduced for most participants on mood, PTSD, grief and imagery salience, but not acquired capability for suicide. |
• | Provided qualitative evidence to support acceptability, with no risk incidents. |
• | Benefits included reductions in imagery salience and emotional impact of the image, frequency of image intrusions, and increased control over the image. |
• | Participants reported a perception that their relationship with the image had improved. |
Abstract |
Background |
Individuals bereaved by suicide frequently experience upsetting and intrusive imagery relating to the deceased and/or their death, which may play a role in increased psychological morbidity and suicide risk. Imagery rescripting (ImRs) is an intervention frequently used in trauma-reprocessing therapies that may provide clinical and emotional benefits for individuals experiencing such imagery.
Aims |
This study aimed to evaluate proof-of-concept and acceptability of a brief online ImRs intervention for adults experiencing intrusive imagery following suicide bereavement.
Method |
We conducted a proof-of-concept and acceptability study using mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. Six suicide-bereaved adults completed a manualised three-session online ImRs intervention delivered over 3–5 weeks, with two-week follow-up. Participants were predominantly female (5/6) and white (5/6), with a mean age of 56.6 years (SD = 7.23). Outcomes included self-report measures of mood, PTSD symptoms, grief, acquired capability for suicide, and imagery characteristics. Acceptability was explored through thematic analysis of qualitative feedback after Sessions 1 and 3.
Results |
All participants completed treatment and there was no report of significant adverse effects or risk incidents. Descriptive analysis of pre- and post-intervention measures showed reductions in image salience and/or frequency and in mean scores on measures of mood, PTSD and grief but not acquired capability for suicide. Several participants showed reliable improvement on measures of PTSD symptoms and image-related negative affect. Thematic analysis identified that all participants experienced the intervention as emotionally challenging but acceptable, also reporting reduced negative impacts of intrusive images and, in some cases, reduced overall mental distress.
Conclusions |
Our findings present evidence to support proof-of-concept and acceptability of a brief ImRs intervention for intrusive images relating to suicide bereavement. Further feasibility testing with a larger and more diverse sample is warranted.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Imagery, Rescripting, Suicide bereavement, Grief, Trauma
Plan
Vol 36 - N° 3
Article 100616- août 2026 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- Influences on theoretical orientation, sources of clinical information, and attitudes toward evidence: a self-report survey of psychotherapists in Argentina
- Axel Emanuel Casas, María Agostina Gerbaudo, Agustín Sainz-Ballesteros, Manuel Correa Freisztav, Antonella Giordano Furchi, Matias Grinberg, Rocío Tamara Manubens, Tomás D’Amelio, Nicolás Bruno
- Self-guided online ACT for women in menopausal transition: A randomized controlled trial of feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes
- Lindakristin Kempe, Pierluigi Graziani, Damiano Terenzi, Anne Auclair, Galina Iakimova
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?