Cognitive bias modification for threat interpretations: Impact on anxiety symptoms and stress reactivity

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Abstract
Background Cognitive bias modification for interpretations (CBM‐I) is a computerized intervention that has received increasing attention in the last decade as a potential experimental intervention for anxiety. Initial CBM‐I trials with clinical populations suggest the potential utility of this approach. However, most CBM‐I experiments have been conducted with unaffected samples, few (one or two) training sessions, and have not examined transfer effects to anxiety‐related constructs such as stress reactivity. Method This study compared a 12‐session CBM‐I intervention (n = 12) to an interpretation control condition (ICC; n = 12) in individuals (N = 24) with elevated trait anxiety on interpretation bias, anxiety symptom, and stress reactivity outcomes (electrodermal activity, heart rate, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia). Results Compared to the ICC group, participants assigned to CBM‐I experienced significantly greater improvements in interpretation bias and anxiety symptoms by post‐intervention 4 weeks later, with impact on anxiety maintained at 1‐month follow‐up. While CBM‐I and ICC groups did not differ in stress reactivity during an acute stressor at pre‐intervention, the CBM‐I group evidenced improved stress reactivity at post‐intervention compared to ICC on two psychophysiological indices, electrodermal activity and heart rate. Conclusions The results of this pilot study suggest that CBM‐I may hold promise for reducing anxiety symptoms, as well as impact psychophysiological arousal during an acute stressor.
Funding Information
  • NIH/NCATS UCLA CTSI (UL1TR000124)
  • National Institutes of Health BUILD Research Stimulation Grant (UL1GM118979, TLrGM118980, RL5GM118978)
  • UCLA Friends of Semel Research Scholar Program

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