In Vivo Activation of Anticipatory vs. Post-Event Autobiographical Images and Memories in Social Anxiety

Abstract

the features of negative mental images and associated autobiographical memories were compared in high (n = 39) versus low (n = 46) socially anxious (hSa and lSa) participants using a modified version of the Waterloo Images and Memories Interview (WiMi; Moscovitch, Gavric, Bielak, Merrifield, & Moscovitch, 2011) either in anticipation of a videotaped speech or during post-event processing. Results indicated that negative images and memories were endorsed more frequently by hSa (vs. lSa) participants, and by those in the Anticipation (vs. PostEvent Processing) condition. Moreover, hSa relative to lSa participants reported more negative emotional consequences associated with bringing their images and memories to mind. Finally, post-event relative to anticipatory images and memories were associated with greater reported negative impact on participants' perceptions of self and others. Results and their potential theoretical and clinical implications are discussed in relation to contemporary cognitive-behavioral models of social anxiety.

Self-Focused Cognition in Social Anxiety: A Review of the Theoretical and Empirical Literature

“…Correlational studies indicate that high socially anxious individuals engage in more AR prior to social or performance situations compared to low socially anxious individuals (Hinrichsen & Clark, 2003;Penney & Abbott, 2015;Vassilopoulos, 2004Vassilopoulos, , 2008, and that ruminative thoughts about upcoming social events tend to be recurrent and intrusive, increase anxiety, and interfere with concentration (Vassilopoulos, 2004). Furthermore, consistent with models of AR, highly socially anxious individuals report that they are more likely to dwell on ways of avoiding/escaping social situations, catastrophise about what might happen in the situation, engage in anticipatory safety behaviours, generate negative self-images from an observer perspective, and produce fewer positive autobiographical memories and more negative-evaluative thoughts compared to low socially anxious individuals (Chiupka, Mosovitch, & Bielak, 2012;Hinrichsen & Clark, 2003;Vassilopoulos, 2008).…”

Imagery-enhanced cognitive behavioural group therapy for social anxiety disorder: A pilot study

“…According to Clark and Wells' (1995) model of SAD, self-focused attention results in the construction of negative self-images viewed from the perspective of others. Rather than being an accurate impression, these negative images reflect the individual's feared outcome (Hackmann et al, 2000) and are imbued with a threatening meaning, such as "I look like an idiot and will be rejected" (Chiupka et al, 2012). Consistent with these theories, studies of SAD (e.g., Hackmann, Clark, & McManus, 2000) and high social anxiety (Chiupka, Moscovitch, & Bielak, 2012) have demonstrated that between 90% and 100% of individuals report experiencing negative social images.…”

Out of the shadows and into the spotlight: Social blunders fuel fear of self-exposure in social anxiety disorder

“…Before, during, and after social events, they tend to envision themselves behaving in a socially unacceptable manner, leading, at least in their minds, to dire interpersonal and emotional consequences (see Chiupka, Moscovitch, & Bielak, 2012;Hofmann, 2007). Within these images, the self is represented in a manner that corresponds with deeply held fears about appearing socially incompetent, visibly anxious, or physically unattractive (see .…”