Abstract
Imagery Rescripting (IR) is a therapeutic technique that is used in a wide spectrum of therapeutic methods for various mental disorders. As an important component of Schema Therapy (ST), IR is frequently used in the treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, little is known about how IR is experienced by individuals with BPD. The aim of this study was to explore BPD patients' experiences with receiving IR. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 individuals (86% females) with a primary diagnosis of BPD who received IR within their ST treatment. Interview data were analyzed following the procedures of qualitative content analysis. Participants reported various effects of IR including initial high emotionality and exhaustion. Long-term effects included a better understanding of schemas and an improvement regarding emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships. Participants reported factors hindering the successful implementation of IR, such as external noise, stress, and a fast pace during IR. Facilitating factors included adequate time for debriefing, a transparent structure, and preparation of IR as well as the therapist providing safety. Implications of the findings for optimizing IR in clinical practice are discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 550833 |
| Journal | Frontiers in Psychiatry |
| Volume | 11 |
| ISSN | 1664-0640 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 03.12.2020 |
Funding
We thank all patients, therapists, research assistants, and students who participated in this study. Funding. EF obtained funding from the University of L?beck from the University of L?beck (Einzelprojektf?rderung und Habiliationsf?rderung f?r Wissenschaftlerinnen, Sektion Medizin). EF obtained funding for the PRO*BPD trial including the qualitative study from the Else Kr?ner-Fresenius-Stiftung (2018_A152). AS received financial support by Land Schleswig-Holstein within the funding programme Open Access Publikationsfonds. Funding bodies played no role in the design of the study, in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript and in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. EF obtained funding from the University of Lübeck from the University of Lübeck (Einzelprojektförderung und Habiliationsförderung für Wissenschaftlerinnen, Sektion Medizin). EF obtained funding for the PRO∗BPD trial including the qualitative study from the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (2018_A152). AS received financial support by Land Schleswig-Holstein within the funding programme Open Access
Research Areas and Centers
- Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)
