A Brief Online Imagery Rescripting Intervention Targeting Perfectionism in First-Year University Students

Arm 1: Brief online audio-guided imagery rescripting intervention Participants allocated to the intervention arm will complete a single-session, structured audio-guided imagery rescripting exercise delivered online through Qualtrics. The audio has been recorded specifically for this study and has been informed by prior research in this area. The intervention involves guided recall of an autobiographical memory related to criticism, perceived failure or perfectionistic self-evaluation, such as receiving negative feedback. Participants are then guided to rescript the memory by introducing corrective emotional elements such as validation, protection, compassion or a more adaptive meaning of the event. The intervention is self-administered by participants individually online. The audio-guided materials and questionnaires are delivered through Qualtrics and can be completed remotely using an internet-connected device. The intervention is delivered once only as part of the initial online study session. The initial session, including consent, baseline questionnaires, intervention procedures, post-intervention questionnaires and debriefing, is expected to take approximately 60 minutes. Note: The debriefing involves participants viewing an online written debriefing statement that clarifies the purpose of the study and link participants to potential mental health supports, should they require additional support. An online signature is required for the participants to confirm that they have received the debriefing statement. The intervention is not planned to be personalised, titrated or adapted beyond participants selecting or recalling their own relevant autobiographical memory. Intervention delivery is standardised through the use of the same structured audio-guided script for participants allocated to this arm. Adherence and completion will be assessed through Qualtrics survey completion data.