title: The Phenomenology and Generation of Positive Mental Imagery in Early Psychosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Theoretical models of depression and bipolar disorder emphasise the importance of positive mental imagery in mood and behaviour. Distressing, intrusive images are common in psychosis; however, little is known about positive imagery experiences or their association with clinical symptoms. The aim of the current study was to examine the phenomenology of positive imagery in early psychosis and the relationship between the characteristics of positive, future-oriented imagery and symptom severity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Characteristics, thematic content and appraisals of recent self-reported images were examined in 31 people with early psychosis. The vividness and perceived likelihood of deliberately generated, future-oriented images were investigated in relation to clinical symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty-four percent of participants reported experiencing a recent positive image. Themes included the achievement of personal goals, spending enjoyable time with peers and family, loving, intimate relationships and escape from current circumstances. The vividness and perceived likelihood of generated prospective imagery were negatively correlated with levels of depression and social anxiety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The relationship between emotional problems and the ability to imagine positive, future events may have implications for motivation, mood and goal-directed behaviour in psychosis. Everyday experiences of positive imagery may represent the simulation of future goals, attempts to cope or avoid aversive experiences or idealised fantasy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of participants experienced a recent positive image with themes related to goal attainment and social relationships. Depression and social anxiety levels were correlated with the vividness of intentionally generated positive future-oriented images and their perceived likelihood. The assessment of positive imagery in early psychosis appears warranted and may provide insights regarding individual coping strategies, values and goals.
authors.affiliation: Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4816-0460
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Laing
authors.affiliation: Early Intervention in Psychosis Services, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: Tristan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Morland
authors.affiliation: Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fornells-Ambrojo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Depression; Future Projection; Imagery; Psychosis; Schizophrenia; Social Anxiety