The role of worry and attentional control in mental imagery

Models of Generalized Anxiety Disorder postulate that attentional biases for threat-related information and avoidance are key maintenance factors of worry. Such models suggest that worry is primarily a verbal-linguistic, as opposed to an imagery-based process; however, findings regarding the role of imagery, worry, and attentional control (AC) have been inconsistent. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of worry and AC during mental imagery. The sample was comprised of (N = 93) college-age students who self-reported current levels of worry and AC. Participants engaged in either worry or relaxation prior to an imagery task, during which they were asked to rate valence and arousal of each image. Heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were recorded throughout the task. Results suggest that overall, individuals reported more difficulties engaging in mental imagery following the worry manipulation. Moreover, individuals with high worry found it more difficult to engage in mental imagery, particularly after engaging in relaxation. Additionally, results revealed no differences in physiological arousal between groups. Results provide support for the avoidance function of worry such that individuals high in worry found it more difficult to engage in mental imagery. Furthermore, results may suggest that those high in worry find it more beneficial to maintain negative affect as demonstrated by findings that individuals with anxiety found it more difficult to engage in mental imagery following relaxation. This study provides important information regarding the mechanisms of worry and AC by documenting the role of avoidance and mental imagery.