Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of interventions intended to mitigate anticipatory traumatic reaction, a form of future-focused distress occurring in response to threat-related media reports and discussions.
Method: A stratified sample of 512 Australian adults (260 women and 252 men; mean age = 46.80, SD = 16.62) completed measures of anticipatory traumatic reaction, and positive and negative affect. Participants then viewed a stimulus video containing a series of terrorism and crime reports, and were randomly assigned to one of seven conditions. The conditions consisted of six brief online interventions, based on standard psychological treatments for anxiety and mood disorders, and one control condition.
Results: A cognitive intervention to address probability neglect (p < .001) and a mindfulness intervention (p = .036) both significantly attenuated momentary anticipatory traumatic reaction.
Conclusions: This research provides information leading to better understanding the phenomenon of anticipatory traumatic reaction and pilot results related to reducing levels of distress for affected individuals.