scholarly journals A Question of Control? Examining the Role of Control Conditions in Experimental Psychopathology using the Example of Cognitive Bias Modification Research

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon E. Blackwell ◽  
Marcella L. Woud ◽  
Colin MacLeod
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Bias ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Cognitive Bias Modification ◽  
Experimental Psychopathology ◽  
And Control ◽  
Bias Modification ◽  
Experimental Modification ◽  
Translational Process

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.

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

2010 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-81 ◽  
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

scholarly journals Design of a Cognitive Bias Modification eHealth app to improve implicit vitality in breast cancer patients: a co-creation process (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roos Wolbers ◽  
Christina Bode ◽  
Ester Siemerink ◽  
Sabine Siesling ◽  
Marcel Pieterse
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cognitive Bias ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Cognitive Bias Modification ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Bias Modification

BACKGROUND More than 50% of all breast cancer patients experience fatigue symptoms during and after their treatment course. Recent evidence shows that fatigue is partly driven by cognitive biases, such as the self-as-fatigued identity bias, which may be corrected with computer-based Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) techniques. OBJECTIVE The aim of the current study was to design such a CBM-training by adopting a co-creation approach. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven health professionals, three breast cancer patients and two patient advocates. Aim of the interviews was to collect input for the design of the CBM-training, taking the values and preferences of the stakeholders into account and to determine the timing and implementation of the training in the treatment course. RESULTS Overall, the interviews showed that the concept of CBM was accepted among all stakeholders. Important requirements were revealed, such as that the training needs to be simple, undemanding, yet engaging and persuasive. Based on the results, eHealth app IVY (Implicit VitalitY) was created. Interviews suggested that IVY should be offered early in the treatment course and should be carefully aligned with clinical treatment. CONCLUSIONS Using CBM to target cancer-related fatigue in a preventive approach is an innovative technique, which is embraced by breast cancer stakeholders. The current study suggests CBM has several benefits, such as being easy to use, and potentially increasing perceived self-control in patients. CLINICALTRIAL

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

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.

scholarly journals Emotional Bias Modification in Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): New Research Vista

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 4028
Author(s):  
Zhang Melvyn ◽  
Aloysius Chow ◽  
Ranganath Vallabhajosyula ◽  
Daniel SS Fung
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Bias ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Cognitive Bias Modification ◽  
Emotional Dysregulation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Bias Modification

Whilst cognitive bias modification was initially used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, it is also currently being used for the treatment of other psychopathologies. In fact, cognitive bias modification has been especially well-investigated amongst children and adolescents. A recent review suggests some evidence for the modification of interpretative biases amongst children with neurodevelopment disorders. There have since been other studies reporting of the existence of other cognitive biases, such as emotional biases, amongst individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This perspective article will discuss the epidemiology of ADHD and the nature of emotional biases that are present amongst individuals with ADHD. This perspective article also reviewed some of the studies that have assessed and modified emotional biases in individuals with ADHD. A total of three studies have been identified from the published literature that provide evidence for targeting emotional biases amongst individuals with ADHD. These studies provide us with preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of modifying emotional biases and how it could help in ameliorating symptoms related to emotional dysregulation. There needs to be future research in this area with further evidence supporting the effectiveness of modifying emotional biases. It is also crucial for future research to determine which of these tools is best at detecting such biases, and which of these tools are versatile enough and non-invasive that they could safely be implemented for both research and clinical needs.

scholarly journals Challenges When Evaluating Cognitive Bias Modification Interventions for Substance Use Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 7821
Author(s):  
Melvyn W. B. Zhang ◽  
Helen E. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Cognitive Bias ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Cognitive Bias Modification ◽  
Bias Assessment ◽  
Unconscious Processes ◽  
Negative Findings ◽  
Bias Modification ◽  
Modification Intervention ◽  
Selection Of

In recent years, advances in experimental psychology have led to a better understanding in automatic, unconscious processes, referred to as attentional and approach biases amongst individuals with substance use disorders. Attentional biases refer to the relatively automatic tendencies for attention to be preferentially allocated towards substance-related cues. Whereas, approach bias refers to the relatively automatic behavioral tendencies of individuals to reach out to substance-related cues in their natural environment. While, several reviews confirm the existence of these biases, and the effectiveness of bias modification, the conduct of cognitive bias modification amongst substance-using individuals is not without its challenges. One of these is that cognitive biases, both attentional and approach biases, are not universally present; and several individual differences factors modulate the magnitude of the biases. Another challenge that investigators faced in their conduct of cognitive bias modification relates to the selection of the appropriate task for bias assessment and modification. Other challenges intrinsic to cognitive bias modification intervention relates to that of participant attrition, much like conventional psychotherapies. Negative findings, of the absence of biases at baseline, or the lack of effectiveness of bias modification have been reported in studies of cognitive bias modification. All these challenges could have an impact on bias assessment and modification. In this perspective paper, we will explore the literature surrounding each of these challenges and discuss potential measures that could be undertaken to mitigate these clinical and research challenges.

scholarly journals Cognitive Bias Modification for Interpretation in Major Depression

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jutta Joormann ◽  
Christian E. Waugh ◽  
Ian H. Gotlib
Keyword(s):  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Bias ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Stress Reactivity ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Cognitive Bias Modification ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Physiological Stress Response ◽  
Bias Modification

Interpreting ambiguous stimuli in a negative manner is a core bias associated with depression. Investigators have used cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I) to demonstrate that it is possible to experimentally induce and modify these biases. In this study, we extend previous research by examining whether CBM-I affects not only interpretation but also memory and physiological stress response in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder. We found that CBM-I was effective in inducing an interpretive bias. Participants also exhibited memory biases that corresponded to their training condition and demonstrated differential physiological responding in a stress task. These results suggest that interpretation biases in depression can be modified and that this training can lead to corresponding changes in memory and to decreases in stress reactivity. Findings from this study highlight the importance of examining the relations among different cognitive biases in major depressive disorder and the possibility of modifying cognitive biases.

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

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.

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

2010 ◽  
Vol 178 (3) ◽  
pp. 451-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Steel ◽  
Til Wykes ◽  
Anna Ruddle ◽  
Gina Smith ◽  
Dhruvi M. Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Imagery ◽  
Cognitive Bias ◽  
Cognitive Bias Modification ◽  
Bias Modification

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Web-based Cognitive Bias Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review Protocol (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melvyn Zhang ◽  
Jiangbo Ying ◽  
Guo Song ◽  
Daniel SS Fung ◽  
Helen Smith
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Cognitive Bias ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Bias Modification ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Bias Modification

UNSTRUCTURED Background: Traditional psychological therapies focus mainly on modification of individuals’ conscious decision-making process. Unconscious processes such as cognitive biases have been found to be accountable for various psychiatric psychopathologies. The advances in technologies have transformed how bias modification programs are being delivered. Objective: We seek to synthesize the current evidence of web-based cognitive bias modification for psychiatric disorders, by identifying the range of conditions targeted and their current efficacy. We wish to determine if web-based attention bias modification is as efficacious as compared to conventional methods. Methods and analysis: A systematic review will be conducted, and all studies types will be included. There will not be any restrictions on the participants included in the study. A search will be conducted on the respective databases up till 2017. Selection of studies will be by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Quality assessment of the included studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (for randomized trials) and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for other study designs. A narrative synthesises of the identified articles will be conducted. A meta-analysis will be considered, only if there are sufficient articles in a domain for statistical analysis. Ethical approval for the current protocol and the planned systematic review was not required. Results: Results synthesized would be disseminated using conference presentation or published works in peer-reviewed journals. Conclusions: This review is of importance given how technology transformed the delivery of conventional therapies. The findings from this review will provide guidance for future research involving technology and cognitive bias modification interventions. Registration details: International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number 2017 CRD42017074754

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