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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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81 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2022
- Finished
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May 2023
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 40 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * adults aged 18-35 * high fear of failure * not currently undergoing psychotherapy or psychopharmacotherapy * no severe punitive experiences in the past Exclusion Criteria: * current severe affective disorders * current severe anxiety * current severe personality disorders * active suicidality * psychosis * substance abuse
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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
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Poznań Laboratory of Affective Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, SWPS University, Warsaw, Poland
Poznan, Wielkopolska, 61-719, Poland
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