Reconsolidating Intrusive Distressing Memories by Thinking of Attachment Figures

Abstract

Thinking of attachment security can reduce arousal, and arousal has been shown to modulate memory reconsolidation. We investigated the effect of priming attachment security during reactivation of a distressing memory. We hypothesized that attachment priming would result in less frequent, distressing, and vivid subsequent intrusive, distressing memories. Seventy-one participants viewed a traumatic film and recorded the frequency, distress, and vividness of subsequent intrusive memories for the following week. The day after initial consolidation, the memory was reactivated before presentation of either an attachment or a positive nonattachment control prime. The attachment prime reduced the vividness and distress of intrusions during the ensuing week. These effects were stronger for participants with less avoidant attachment tendencies, suggesting that the reconsolidating effect of attachment priming is stronger for those with secure attachment systems. Thinking of attachment figures during reactivation of distressing memories may decrease the distressing nature of subsequent intrusive memories.