Effects of Imagery Intervention on the Experience of Parental Loss in Adulthood.

Objective

This study investigates the effectiveness of imagery rescripting interventions for adults experiencing parental loss, a profoundly traumatic event. Method: Thirty-five participants were randomly assigned to either an imagery rescripting (IR) group, a reading and writing intervention group, or a control group. The IR intervention, applied once a week for three weeks, incorporated components.

Results

Results demonstrated that the IR group showed significant reductions in grief-related emotions and improvements in cognitive appraisals compared to the other groups. These positive changes persisted for at least one week post-treatment. While both intervention groups experienced emotional shifts, the IR group exhibited greater changes in cognitive appraisals.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential of imagery rescripting in addressing complex grief and suggests further exploration of imagery-based therapies for emotional distress related to parental loss.