Can we harness computerised cognitive bias modification to treat anxiety in schizophrenia? A first step highlighting the role of mental imagery

AbstractWhile control conditions are vitally important in research, selecting the optimal control condition can be challenging. Problems are likely to arise when the choice of control condition is not tightly guided by the specific question that a given study aims to address. Such problems have become increasingly apparent in experimental psychopathology research investigating the experimental modification of cognitive biases, particularly as the focus of this research has shifted from theoretical questions concerning mechanistic aspects of the association between cognitive bias and emotional vulnerability, to questions that instead concern the clinical efficacy of ‘cognitive bias modification’ (CBM) procedures. We discuss the kinds of control conditions that have typically been employed in CBM research, illustrating how difficulties can arise when changes in the types of research questions asked are not accompanied by changes in the control conditions employed. Crucially, claims made on the basis of comparing active and control conditions within CBM studies should be restricted to those conclusions allowed by the specific control condition employed. CBM studies aiming to establish clinical utility are likely to require quite different control conditions from CBM studies aiming to illuminate mechanisms. Further, conclusions concerning the clinical utility of CBM interventions cannot necessarily be drawn from studies in which the control condition has been chosen to answer questions concerning mechanisms. Appreciating the need to appropriately alter control conditions in the transition from basic mechanisms-focussed investigations to applied clinical research could greatly facilitate the translational process.

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Cognitive Bias Modification: The Critical Role of Active Training in Modifying Emotional Responses

Behavior Therapy ◽

10.1016/j.beth.2009.01.002 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 73-81 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Laura Hoppitt ◽

Andrew Mathews ◽

Jenny Yiend ◽

Bundy Mackintosh

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Bias ◽

Critical Role ◽

Emotional Responses ◽

Cognitive Bias Modification ◽

Bias Modification ◽

Active Training

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Using Cognitive Bias Modification-Appraisal Training to Manipulate Appraisals about the Self and the World in Analog Trauma

10.31234/osf.io/dqb6f ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Felix Würtz ◽

Julie Krans ◽

Simon Edward Blackwell ◽

Jan Christopher Cwik ◽

Jürgen Margraf ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Bias ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Cognitive Bias Modification ◽

The Self ◽

Trauma Symptoms ◽

Developed World ◽

Bias Modification ◽

Moderating Role ◽

Healthy Participants

Background: Dysfunctional appraisals are a key mechanism in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Experimental manipulations of appraisals via Cognitive Bias Modification-Appraisal (CBM-App) training targeting cognitions related to the ‘self’ has shown to affect analog trauma symptoms. The present study aimed to conceptually replicate and extend previous findings by comparing a newly developed ‘world’ to the original ‘self’ training, and investigate the moderating role of locus of control (LOC) on intrusions. Methods: Healthy participants (N = 173) were exposed to distressing films as an analog trauma induction. Next, participants received positive or negative CBM-App, targeting either self- or world-relevant appraisals. Dysfunctional appraisals and LOC were assessed pre- and post-training. During the week after the laboratory session, participants recorded their intrusions and associated distress in a diary. One week later, trauma-relevant symptomatology was assessed. Results: Positive compared to negative CBM-App induced training-congruent appraisals, independent of the trained cognition (self vs. world). However, there was no effect on analog trauma symptoms and LOC did not moderate the training’s effect. Conclusions: Our results underline the validity of CBM-App as a method to experimentally manipulate appraisals. However, since we did not fully replicate previous findings further research on mechanisms associated with transfer effects is warranted.

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Using Cognitive Bias Modification-Appraisal Training to Manipulate Appraisals about the Self and the World in Analog Trauma

Cognitive Therapy and Research ◽

10.1007/s10608-021-10257-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Felix Würtz ◽

Julie Krans ◽

Simon E. Blackwell ◽

Jan C. Cwik ◽

Jürgen Margraf ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Bias ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Cognitive Bias Modification ◽

The Self ◽

Trauma Symptoms ◽

Developed World ◽

Bias Modification ◽

Moderating Role ◽

Healthy Participants

Abstract Background Dysfunctional appraisals are a key mechanism in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Experimental manipulations of appraisals via Cognitive Bias Modification-Appraisal (CBM-App) training targeting cognitions related to the ‘self’ has shown to affect analog trauma symptoms. The present study aimed to conceptually replicate and extend previous findings by comparing a newly developed ‘world’ to the original ‘self’ training, and investigate the moderating role of locus of control (LOC) on intrusions. Methods Healthy participants (N = 173) were exposed to distressing films as an analog trauma induction. Next, participants received positive or negative CBM-App, targeting either self- or world-relevant appraisals. Dysfunctional appraisals and LOC were assessed pre- and post-training. During the week after the laboratory session, participants recorded their intrusions and associated distress in a diary. One week later, trauma-relevant symptomatology was assessed. Results Positive compared to negative CBM-App induced training-congruent appraisals, independent of the trained cognition (self vs. world). However, there was no effect on analog trauma symptoms and LOC did not moderate the training’s effect. Conclusions Our results underline the validity of CBM-App as a method to experimentally manipulate appraisals. However, since we did not fully replicate previous findings further research on mechanisms associated with transfer effects is warranted.

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Reducing alcohol-related interpretation biases in young hazardous drinkers by Cognitive Bias Modification–Interpretation Training

SUCHT - Zeitschrift für Wissenschaft und Praxis / Journal of Addiction Research and Practice ◽

10.1024/0939-5911/a000456 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 62 (6) ◽

pp. 366-373 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Moniek H. M. Hutschemaekers ◽

Marcella L. Woud ◽

Eni S. Becker ◽

Mike Rinck

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Bias ◽

Executive Control ◽

No Reduction ◽

Cognitive Bias Modification ◽

Group Differences ◽

Interpretation Biases ◽

Bias Modification ◽

Moderating Role

Abstract. Aims: This study examined whether alcohol-related interpretation biases (IBs) can be reduced by means of cognitive bias modification – interpretation (CBM-I) training. Also, the training’s generalization effects and the moderating role of executive control (EC) were examined. Methods: Participants were 98 young hazardous drinkers. Half of the participants were trained to interpret ambiguous alcohol-related scenarios in an alcohol-unrelated way (neutral CBM-I), the other half completed alcohol-related ambiguous open-ended scenarios (control CBM-I). Alcohol-related IBs were assessed with open-ended ambiguous alcohol-related scenarios, completed by participants. The completions were coded by participants (self-coding) and by two independent coders (conservatively and liberally). Results: Neutral CBM-I, compared to control CBM-I, did not decrease alcohol-related IBs for the conservative and self-coding. For the liberal coding, both groups showed a decrease in alcohol-related IBs pre to post training. Moreover, there were no group differences in interpreting ambiguous, alcohol-related pictures during a signal-detection task. At the behavioral level, there was no reduction in alcohol use for either group at one week follow-up. Finally, EC did not moderate training effects. Conclusions: Although CBM-I effects were largely absent; the findings emphasize that more research into the working mechanisms of alcohol CBM-I is needed to test its potential in the context of hazardous drinking.

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Cognitive Bias Modification Using Mental Imagery for Depression: Developing A Novel Computerized Intervention to Change Negative Thinking Styles

European Journal of Personality ◽

10.1002/per.855 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 145-157 ◽

Cited By ~ 87

Author(s):

Tamara J. Lang ◽

Simon E. Blackwell ◽

Catherine J. Harmer ◽

Phil Davison ◽

Emily A. Holmes

Keyword(s):

Information Processing ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Individual Differences ◽

Mental Imagery ◽

Cognitive Bias ◽

Cognitive Bias Modification ◽

Post Treatment ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

Bias Modification

Why do some people see their glass as half–empty rather than half–full or even imagine that the glass will be filled in the future? Experimental methods can illuminate how individual differences in information processing style can profoundly impact mood or even result in disorders such as depression. A computerized cognitive bias modification intervention targeting interpretation bias in depression via positive mental imagery (CBM–I) was evaluated by investigating its impact on mental health and cognitive bias compared with a control condition. Twenty–six depressed individuals completed either positive imagery–focussed CBM–I or a control condition daily at home over one week. Outcome measures were collected pre–treatment and post–treatment and at two–week follow–up. Individuals in the positive condition demonstrated significant improvements from pre–treatment to post–treatment in depressive symptoms, cognitive bias and intrusive symptoms compared with the control condition. Improvements in depressive symptoms at two–week follow–up were at trend level. The results of this first controlled comparison of positive imagery–focussed CBM–I for depression further support the clinical potential of CBM–I and the development of a novel computerized treatment that could help patients imagine a more positive future. Broader implications concern the modification of individual differences in personality variables via their interaction with key information processing targets. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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