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 re-experiencing 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.