Online attentional bias modification training targeting anxiety and depression in unselected adolescents: Short- and long-term effects of a randomized controlled trial. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Voogd, E.L.; Wiers, R.W.; Prins, P.J.M.; de Jong, P.J.; Boendermaker, W.J.; Zwitser, R.J.; Salemink, E.
• Is Part Of: Behaviour research and therapy. Volume 87(2016)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Attentional bias -- Cognitive bias modification -- Adolescents -- Depression -- Anxiety; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2016.08.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-7967

Abstract

Abstract: Based on information processing models of anxiety and depression, we investigated the efficacy of multiple sessions of online attentional bias modification training to reduce attentional bias and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and to increase emotional resilience in youth. Unselected adolescents (N = 340, age: 11–18 years) were randomly allocated to eight sessions of a dot-probe, or a visual search-based attentional training, or one of two corresponding placebo control conditions. Cognitive and emotional measures were assessed pre- and post-training; emotional outcome measures also at three, six and twelve months follow-up. Only visual search training enhanced attention for positive information, and this effect was stronger for participants who completed more training sessions. Symptoms of anxiety and depression reduced, whereas emotional resilience improved. However, these effects were not especially pronounced in the active conditions. Thus, this large-scale randomized controlled study provided no support for the efficacy of the current online attentional bias modification training as a preventive intervention to reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression or to increase emotional resilience in unselected adolescents. However, the absence of biased attention related to symptomatology at baseline, and the large drop-out rates at follow-up preclude strong conclusions. Highlights: We investigated effects of attentional bias modification training on anxiety and depression. Two types of training were compared to placebo control conditions. Unselected adolescents received eight sessions of online training. Visual search, but not dot-probe training reduced negative attentional bias. Long-term emotional functioning improved irrespective of condition.