The effect of concreteness training on peri-traumatic processing and intrusive memories following an analogue trauma

Abstract

High levels of rumination are a risk factor for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Theoretical models of rumination as well as earlier empirical findings suggest that the dysfunctional effects of rumination are due to an abstract processing style, and that a more concrete style of thinking has beneficial effects on mental well-being. The present study therefore examined whether concreteness training prior to watching a trauma film prevents analogue PTSD symptoms in the form of intrusive memories. Healthy participants either received concreteness training or were allocated to a no-intervention control condition, and watched a distressing film three days later. We examined differences in intrusive memories related to the film scenes between conditions, and tested whether concreteness training reduces the link between trait rumination and analogue PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, the interacting effect of concreteness training and trait rumination on peri-traumatic processing was investigated. In line with the hypotheses, concreteness training was associated with less frequent intrusive memories and moderated the association between trait rumination and intrusive memories as well as trait rumination and dissociation during the film. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that processing style contributes to the negative impact of rumination on posttraumatic stress symptoms. In addition, they provide preliminary evidence that concreteness training may be a promising intervention for the prevention of PTSD following trauma.