Logo: to the web site of Uppsala University

Distressing intrusive memories are a core clinical feature in PTSD and may be experienced following traumatic events. Access to tradtitional mental health care is limited, and scaleable, remotely delivered interventions drawing from cognitive science targeting core clinical features could potentially be an important treatment option. This between-groups experimental feasibility study explored the possibility of moving an experimental psychopathological model (the trauma film paradigm) and a brief cognitive intervention to a 'digital laboratory'. The primary aim was to investigate whether the trauma film consisting of COVID-19 graphic material would generate intrusive memories. The secondary aim was to investigate if participants receiving the intervention would report fewer intrusive memories than participants in the control group. The trauma film induced a comparable number of intrusive memories as in previous 'physical' laboratory studies. Participants in the intervention condition reported fewer intrusive memories than participants in the control condition. As this study tested the feasibility of using the trauma film paradigm and the brief cognitive intervention in a 'digital' laboratory, interpretation focuses on descriptive results, rather than inference tests, which should be interpreted with caution. The results, as well as challenges and strenghts of using a 'digital laboratory', are discussed.