scholarly journals A multi-site proof-of-concept investigation of computerized approach-avoidance training in adolescent cannabis users

2018 ◽  
Vol 187 ◽  
pp. 195-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Jacobus ◽  
Charles T. Taylor ◽  
Kevin M. Gray ◽  
Lindsay R. Meredith ◽  
Anna M. Porter ◽  
...  
Author(s):  
Pieter Van Dessel ◽  
Jan De Houwer ◽  
Anne Gast ◽  
Colin Tucker Smith

Prior research suggests that repeatedly approaching or avoiding a certain stimulus changes the liking of this stimulus. We investigated whether these effects of approach and avoidance training occur also when participants do not perform these actions but are merely instructed about the stimulus-action contingencies. Stimulus evaluations were registered using both implicit (Implicit Association Test and evaluative priming) and explicit measures (valence ratings). Instruction-based approach-avoidance effects were observed for relatively neutral fictitious social groups (i.e., Niffites and Luupites), but not for clearly valenced well-known social groups (i.e., Blacks and Whites). We conclude that instructions to approach or avoid stimuli can provide sufficient bases for establishing both implicit and explicit evaluations of novel stimuli and discuss several possible reasons for why similar instruction-based approach-avoidance effects were not found for valenced well-known stimuli.


2013 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcella L. Woud ◽  
Eni S. Becker ◽  
Wolf-Gero Lange ◽  
Mike Rinck

A growing body of evidence shows that the prolonged execution of approach movements towards stimuli and avoidance movements away from them affects their evaluation. However, there has been no systematic investigation of such training effects. Therefore, the present study compared approach-avoidance training effects on various valenced representations of one neutral (Experiment 1, N = 85), angry (Experiment 2, N = 87), or smiling facial expressions (Experiment 3, N = 89). The face stimuli were shown on a computer screen, and by means of a joystick, participants pulled half of the faces closer (positive approach movement), and pushed the other half away (negative avoidance movement). Only implicit evaluations of neutral-expression were affected by the training procedure. The boundary conditions of such approach-avoidance training effects are discussed.


Appetite ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 99 ◽  
pp. 46-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh Dickson ◽  
David J. Kavanagh ◽  
Colin MacLeod

Author(s):  
Abel S. Mathew ◽  
Madeline A. Rech ◽  
Han-Joo Lee

AbstractBackground and aimsPathological skin-picking (PSP) or excoriation disorder is a destructive behavior that affects 1-2% of the general population. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a computerized behavior modification task on action-tendencies (i.e., approach or avoidance) in adults with PSP. We aimed to modify these action-tendencies by having participants with PSP complete the Approach-Avoidance Training (AAT) task, using a joystick to simulate an approach (=pull) or avoidance (=push) response.MethodForty-five participants diagnosed with PSP were randomized to one of three training conditions: (1) Avoidance Training (AvT; n = 15), (2) Approach Training (ApT; n = 15), or (3) Placebo Training (PT; n = 15). We hypothesized that after training, those in the AvT would have the greatest reduction in behavioral approach (i.e., their overall reaction time [RT] to approach pictures of irregular skin stimuli).ResultsResults of the pre-training assessment task revealed a positive correlation between behavioral approach to irregular skin stimuli and skin-picking severity as assessed by the Skin Picking Scale-Revised (SPS-R). After training, a lower behavioral approach and urges to pick were found in the AvT and PT groups, while those in the ApT reported higher behavioral approach and urges to pick. At two-week follow-up, no significant changes on the SPS-R were reported between groups.DiscussionOur preliminary data suggest that the AAT is a promising avenue of research to develop as a cognitive intervention to address an excessive behavioral approach tendency that characterizes skin-picking problems.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Carvalho ◽  
Adriana Sampaio ◽  
Augusto J. Mendes ◽  
Alberto Lema ◽  
Daniela Vieira ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Verbeken ◽  
Wouter J. Boendermaker ◽  
Tom Loeys ◽  
Ellen Moens ◽  
Lien Goossens ◽  
...  

Childhood obesity treatment programs only result in moderate outcomes in the short term and do not reduce risk for future weight gain. Therefore, in the current study, Approach Avoidance Training (AAT) with motivational game elements will be added to an inpatient childhood obesity program with the aim of improving outcomes. Forty-one children (10–15 years) in the final months of an inpatient treatment program were randomised to either the AAT plus care-as-usual condition group or to a care-as-usual-only control group. During the 10 sessions, the children were trained to approach healthy food stimuli and to avoid unhealthy food stimuli. Treatment outcomes were child performances on tasks of AAT, implicit attitudes and attentional bias, self-report ratings on craving symptoms, and weight loss maintenance after leaving the clinic (12-week follow-up). Changes over time were not significantly different between conditions for the measures of automatic processes, craving, and weight loss maintenance. Possible accounts for the null findings, including sample size, influence of game elements, point of time in therapeutic process, limitations of the setting, and the control group are discussed. More research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about the clinical usefulness of CBM for weight control in childhood obesity.


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