Spatial encoding of a traumatic virtual reality scene reduces intrusive memories.

Abstract

We tested whether enhanced allocentric spatial memory of a distressing scene can attenuate intrusive memories. Using virtual reality (VR), we developed an immersive trauma analog to measure and manipulate spatial memory. Study 1 (N = 92) established the paradigm's validity in eliciting intrusions and assessing spatial memory for scene-embedded objects. Results showed that spatial memory was better for more distressing objects and when participants were probed from the original encoding viewpoint, but memory performance did not differentiate egocentric from allocentric strategies or relate to intrusions during a 15-minute interval. Critically, Study 2 (N = 120) showed that targeted spatial memory training on scene contents, administered after viewing the traumatic scene, significantly reduced intrusions, as assessed by a 3-day intrusion diary and a retrospective self-report assessment, compared to a perceptual control. These findings support our main hypothesis, suggesting that therapeutic approaches targeting intrusions may benefit from enhancing memory for the spatial layout of traumatic events. Further investigation is needed to determine the specific role of allocentric memory, as opposed to general spatial memory, in this process.