Imagery-based psychotherapy may help ease fear of failure that stems from painful childhood experiences, according to research from scientists at SWPS University and the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology. The findings were published in Frontiers in Psychology.
The researchers said early experiences such as criticism, neglect, or harsh reactions from caregivers can shape emotional health well into adulthood. In some cases, those memories can contribute to a deep fear of failure and the belief that mistakes make a person less worthy in the eyes of others.
To test whether therapy could reduce those effects, the team ran a randomized clinical trial with 180 young adults ages 18 to 35 who reported fear of failure. Over two weeks, participants completed four sessions centered on difficult childhood memories involving criticism.
Three approaches were tested: imagery exposure, imagery rescripting, and imagery rescripting with a 10-minute delay procedure. According to the study, all of the imagery-based methods led to significant and lasting reductions in fear of failure, along with lower sadness and guilt.
The researchers also reported reduced physiological reactions when participants recalled criticism, suggesting the memories triggered less intense stress responses. Follow-up checks at three and six months showed the benefits remained in place, and the team said imagery rescripting appeared to work especially well when it created a sense of surprise.
