Effects of Different Forms of Verbal Processing on the Formation of Intrusions

Abstract

This study used the trauma film paradigm to investigate different forms of posttrauma verbal processing relevant to the formation of intrusive memories. We designed 3 experiments to investigate verbal processing that could help to reduce the formation of posttraumatic intrusions. Experiments 1 and 2 looked at the effect of several forms of verbal processing, varied in emotional foci and vantage points, on the formation of posttraumatic intrusions. Experiment 3 utilized event-related potential (ERP) technology to control emotional focus and to further examine the effect of verbal processing from different vantage points. Data produced by Experiment 1 showed that the "what-focus" group had fewer intrusions than the "why-focus" group. Experiment 2 produced no significant difference between first- and third-person vantage points. Results from the last experiment showed the what-focus group was faster to judge the colors of the words in the emotional Stroop task, and the amplitude and latency of P2 for negative words were greater than neutral words in the what-focus group. Based on the results of the experiments, participants who were led to verbalize their traumatic experiences using the what-focus and the first-person vantage point ended up with fewer intrusions.