The goal of this multiple baseline case series study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Imagery Rescripting for Pathological Affective Dependence (PAD) in victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). The primary research questions are:
Does Imagery Rescripting reduce PAD and/or commitment to the abusive relationship after separation? Does Imagery Rescripting also reduce traumatic symptoms? Does Imagery Rescripting improve general mental health, self-compassion, and resilience in IPV victims? Participants will undergo a waiting period of 5-9 weeks (to assess time effects without treatment), followed by 4 weekly preparation sessions, 12 weekly Imagery Rescripting sessions, and 1 month of post-treatment.
Throughout the study, participants will rate the severity of PAD and relational commitment on a weekly basis. They will also complete more detailed questionnaires assessing mental health, traumatic symptoms, resilience, and self-compassion before each phase, at 1 month post-treatment, 3 months post-treatment, and during follow-ups at 6 and 12 months.
Experience of IPV (from a clinical interview)
Pathological Affective Dependence scale (PADS - Trait, State). As a prerequisite for PAD treatment and study participation, victims of IPV are required to establish a contact with the anti-violence center or shelters to receive co-assistance. The anti-violence center will take care of his/her physical safety and legal aspects.
Comorbidity with the following diagnoses: psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (conditions derived from a clinical interview or previous diagnostic reports), dissociative disorders (Dissociative Experience Scale, DES).
Organic brain disease
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) < 80
High risk of self-harm or suicide
University of Amsterdam
Lead sponsor
VU University of Amsterdam
Collaborator
Stichting Achmea Slachtoffer en Samenleving
Collaborator