A novel experimental investigation of online imagery rescripting for obsessive-compulsive prospective imagery

Emerging evidence suggests that rescripting intrusive mental imagery may reduce OCD symptoms. We tested whether a similar process could be adapted to an online experimental format. Amazon mTurk workers high in OCD traits (n = 198) were asked to identify OCD-related imagery of the future. They were then randomised to one of three audio-guided imagery conditions: rescripting, exposure, or a distracting control. We found that self-appraisals improved across all three conditions. Participants in the rescripting condition also reported greater reductions in aversive emotions, the vividness of their imagery, and their urge to neutralise the imagery, compared to those in the exposure condition. Results from the control condition were consistent with distraction. These experimental findings suggest that imagery rescripting in a standardised audio-guided format may facilitate emotional processing. Suggestions to improve on methodological limitations are discussed.