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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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