Rewriting criticism memories: new therapy targets fear of failure

NCT ID NCT07196085

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a therapy called Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) in 81 adults with high fear of failure. Over four sessions, participants worked with a therapist to modify memories of being criticized by parents. The goal was to see if this could reduce fear of failure and change brain activity in fear-related regions. The study used brain scans and questionnaires to measure effects up to six months later.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Imagery Rescripting (a psychological therapy technique)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a brief therapy for reducing fear of failure by changing how the brain processes memories of criticism.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study (81 people) that measured brain activity and self-reports, not real-world outcomes. The therapy may not work for everyone or may have effects that don't last.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Poznań Laboratory of Affective Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, SWPS University, Warsaw, Poland

    Poznan, Wielkopolska, 61-719, Poland

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