Intrusive, Emotional Mental Imagery and Trauma: Experimental and Clinical Clues

Abstract

Intrusive mental images of trauma can pop into mind spontaneously, often accompanied by high levels of emotion. Intrusive images are a feature of several psychological disorders, notably post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the field of mental imagery there has been relatively little research linked to emotion or intrusions. In this article it is suggested that images in PTSD are on a continuum with images that can be generated in the laboratory. Some recent studies are described, exploring a range of paradigms. The development of intrusive imagery can be investigated with non-clinical samples, using a stressful film as analogue trauma. A series of experiments on the impact of peri-traumatic visuospatial versus verbal tasks on intrusion development are summarized. Media broadcasting of real trauma provides an opportunity to investigate intrusive image response in a non-laboratory setting. Further along the continuum are studies using descriptions of images from clinical samples, such as patients with PTSD. Overall, such investigations of intrusive imagery provide clues of both theoretical and clinical relevance.