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 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.

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

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 366-373 ◽  
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.

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

The Effects of Modifying Dysfunctional Appraisals in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Using a Form of Cognitive Bias Modification: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial in an Inpatient Setting

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Marcella L. Woud ◽  
Simon E. Blackwell ◽  
Lorika Shkreli ◽  
Felix Würtz ◽  
Jan Christopher Cwik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Bias ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Bias Modification ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Scenario Task ◽  
Bias Modification

Introduction: Dysfunctional appraisals about traumatic events and their sequelae are a key mechanism in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Experimental studies have shown that a computerized cognitive training, cognitive bias modification for appraisals (CBM-APP), can modify dysfunctional appraisals and reduce analogue trauma symptoms amongst healthy and subclinical volunteers. Objective: We aimed to test whether CBM-APP could reduce dysfunctional appraisals related to trauma reactions in PTSD patients, and whether this would lead to improvements in PTSD symptoms. Methods: We compared CBM-APP to sham training in a parallel-arm proof-of-principle double-blind randomized controlled trial amongst 80 PTSD patients admitted to an inpatient clinic. Both arms comprised a training schedule of 8 sessions over a 2-week period and were completed as an adjunct to the standard treatment programme. Results: In intention-to-treat analyses, participants receiving CBM-APP showed a greater reduction in dysfunctional appraisals on a scenario task from pre- to posttraining (primary outcome) assessments, compared to those receiving sham training (d = 1.30, 95% CI 0.82–1.80), with between-group differences also found on the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI; d = 0.85, 95% CI 0.39–1.32) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5; d = 0.68, 95% CI 0.23–1.14), but not for long-term cortisol concentrations (d = 0.25, 95% CI –0.28 to 0.78). Reductions in dysfunctional appraisals assessed via the scenario task correlated with reductions on the PTCI, PCL-5, and hair cortisol concentrations from pre- to posttraining time points. Conclusions: Results support dysfunctional appraisals as a modifiable cognitive mechanism, and that their proximal modification transfers to downstream PTSD symptoms. These findings could open new avenues for improving present therapeutic approaches.

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
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