The spit-face scenario: Inducing Contamination-Based Disgust and Anxiety and Investigating the Effects of Imagery Rescripting in an Online Experiment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background In the treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), imagery rescripting (ImRs) is considered promising. However, there is a paucity of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) with active control groups in this context. Methods We developed an audio imagery, which we refer to as the spit-face scenario , to induce disgust without any sexual content. In an online RCT, we then investigated disgust (SDQ-13, visual analogue scale (VAS)) and anxiety (STAI-SKD, VAS) in participants reporting at least mild OC symptoms after one of three manipulations, ImRs ( n = 34), imagery focus ( n = 25) or distraction ( n = 34). Results The spit-face scenario significantly induced disgust, e.g., comparable with watching a disgusting film, and over 70% of the participants were able to vividly visualize and follow the scenario effectively. Although ImRs and distraction reduced disgust, it did not decline following imagery focus (e.g., SDQ-13, F -HF = 86.600 (1.756), p < .001, f = 0.98). Whereas disgust performed similarly in the SDQ-13 and the VAS, there were slightly different patterns in the anxiety measures. Conclusions Although the results might suggest an effect of a one-session online ImRs audio manipulation, the question remained if ImRs had a differential effect beyond distraction. The results thus underline the need to conduct further research on the active elements of ImRs.
Source: Cognitive Therapy and Research
Authors: Franziska Kühne, Lea Kathrin Hobrecker, Jakob Fink-Lamotte, Claudia Meissner, Alina Zirngibl, Florian Weck
Institution: University of Potsdam
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,090
Funder: Universität Potsdam
OpenAlex ID: W4409189500