Lóa Project: An Exploratory Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of a Remotely-delivered Brief Cognitive Intervention to Reduce Intrusive Memories of Trauma for Women in Iceland

Intrusive memories are sensory memories of a traumatic event(s) that spring to mind involuntarily, evoke strong emotions, and disrupt functioning in daily life. Previous research has demonstrated that a brief cognitive intervention can prevent the development of intrusive memories as well as reduce the number of intrusive memories of long-standing trauma. Initial pilot work (using case studies) with women in Iceland indicates that the intervention is acceptable and feasible. This exploratory pilot trial will compare remote delivery of the intervention (i.e. brief, digitally delivered imagery-competing task intervention, n = 12) to an attention-placebo control condition (i.e., brief, digitally delivered relaxation exercise task; n = 12). We will explore whether (relative to the control condition) the intervention: (i) reduces the number of intrusive memories (primary outcome), and (ii) improves other symptoms and functioning. This study is funded by the OAK foundation (OCAY-18-442) and the Strategic Research and Development Program: Societal Challenges in Iceland (200095-5601).