Objective Many victims of psychological trauma suffer from recurrent intrusive trauma memories. According to Dual-Representation Theory (DRT), intrusive memories reflect functional deficiencies in the brain’s hippocampal system, which fails to translate the egocentric perceptual impressions of the trauma into viewpoint-independent (or allocentric) spatial representations. This proposal tests this assumption and explores allocentric memory training as a potential novel intervention against intrusive memories.I propose to induce intrusive memories in healthy participants using aversive scenarios in real-time 3D Virtual Reality, and to afterwards test location memory from the original versus a shifted viewpoint, requiring allocentric memory. Study 1 links allocentric memory to intrusion levels. Study 2 explores the potential of an allocentric memory training. Furthermore, both studies will assess the potentially moderating role of hormonal and sympathetic stress markers known to affect hippocampal learning.The project will provide novel insights into mechanisms of trauma memory, with potentially important implications for theory and treatment. It will be conducted in Prof. Chris Brewin’s research group at University College London (UCL) that is renowned for empirical tests of DRT specifically, and for world-leading expertise in clinical, experimental, neurocognitive and neuroendocrine approaches to psychology, providing an inspiring environment that perfectly fits the interdisciplinary character of this project. Fields of science social sciencespsychologynatural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware applicationsvirtual reality Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2016 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2016 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Net EU contribution € 183 454,80 Address Gower street WC1E 6BT London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
