Eye for Detail: Local Versus Global Visual Processing Style Predicts the Development of Re-experiencing after Analogue Trauma

Cognitive theories of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) posit that peritraumatic data-driven processing plays a role in the development of intrusive trauma-related memories (i.e., re-experiencing). Peritraumatic processing may be determined by a pre-existing attentional processing style. This study tested whether a general attentional processing style (relative preference for local or global processing of visual stimuli) was associated with reexperiencing symptoms after analogue trauma. Participants completed measures for neuroticism and reappraisal and an emotional Local-Global Processing task. The next day, they watched an aversive film and indicated horror and perceived control during the film. PTSD symptoms were assessed one week later. A relative preference for local processing was associated with less reappraisal and with less perceived control and more horror during the film. Moreover, it predicted re-experiencing of the film, even after controlling for neuroticism, horror, control, and reappraisal. The results are a first step in exploring the role of pre-trauma cognitive processing styles on traumamemory development and may benefit the identification of risk factors for PTSD. (C) Copyright 2016 Textrum Ltd. All rights reserved.