Imagery-Enhanced Cognitive Restructuring of Hostile Beliefs: A Narrative Description. Issue 3 (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Teffelen, Martijn W.; Voncken, Marisol J.; Peeters, Frenk; Mollema, Eline D.; Lobbestael, Jill
• Is Part Of: Cognitive and behavioral practice. Volume 29:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 625
• Page End: 634
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: mental imagery -- cognitive restructuring -- hostility; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior Therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive Therapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2020.12.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-7229

Abstract

Highlights: An imagery enhanced cognitive restructuring for hostile beliefs procedure is described in detail. Potential problems and solutions of conducting the technique are discussed. A hands-on protocol is provided as supplemental material. Abstract: Cognitive restructuring (CR) is an efficacious intervention for reducing transdiagnostic hostility. However, evidence suggests that the efficacy of CR can be further improved. A promising candidate for improving the efficacy of CR is mental imagery. Previous work showed that enriching CR with mental imagery (I-CR) increased its efficacy in terms of reducing hostile beliefs and aggressive inclinations. In this article, we describe the rationale of the I-CR procedure, how to use it, and illustrate it with case examples. Our clinical experience underlines that imagery seems to capture both the hostile as well as helpful thoughts in a more effective way than verbal formulations. Future studies need to explore whether using this protocol is helpful for patients with clinical levels of hostility.