Acceptability and Co‐Development of an Online Cognitive Bias Modification Intervention for Emerging Adults With Hazardous Alcohol Use and Social Anxiety: A Mixed Methods Study. (4th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prior, Katrina; Salemink, Elske; Wiers, Reinout W.; Teachman, Bethany A.; Piggott, Monique; Newton, Nicola C.; Teesson, Maree; Baillie, Andrew J.; Campbell, Samuel; Stapinski, Lexine A.
• Is Part Of: Alcoholism. Volume 44:Number 11(2020)
• Page Start: 2283
• Page End: 2297
• Publication Date: 2020-11-04
• Subjects: Alcohol -- Anxiety -- Cognitive Bias Modification -- Internet Intervention -- Young People; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Alcoolisme; Electronic journals; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.861005
• DOI: 10.1111/acer.14452
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-6008

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Approach bias modification (ApBM) and interpretation bias modification (IBM) are two promising adjunct treatments for alcohol use and social anxiety, respectively. However, the acceptability of combining ApBM and IBM into one program for people who experience both of these disorders is unknown. The present study describes the codevelopment of a new, hybrid ApBM + IBM program and provides insight into the perceptions of acceptability from service providers and emerging adults. Methods: Service providers ( n = 14) and emerging adults aged 18 to 25 years with lived experience of hazardous alcohol use and heightened social anxiety ( n = 15) were recruited via online advertisements and through existing networks. All participants were shown a beta version of the program and asked to complete qualitative and quantitative questions to ascertain feedback on the program's acceptability and suggestions for improvement. Results: Themes emerged relating to the ApBM + IBM program's quality and usefulness, appropriateness, motivation and engagement, and potential clinical value. The program was well received and deemed acceptable for the target age group. It was rated particularly highly with regard to the overall quality and ease of use. Emerging adults had fewer suggestions for how the intervention might be revised; however, there were suggestions from both groups regarding the need for a compelling rationale at the outset of treatment and a suggestion to include a motivational interviewing and psychoeducational‐based module prior to the first training session, to increase user buy‐in and engagement. Conclusions: The current findings reflect positively on the acceptability of a hybrid ApBM + IBM for emerging adults with co‐occurring hazardous alcohol use and social anxiety. Service providers and emerging adults identified a number of ways to improve the design and implementation of the program, which will likely improve adherence to, and outcomes of, the intervention when added as an adjunct to treatment as usual. Abstract : Service providers and young people provided feedback on a beta Approach Bias Modification + Interpretation Bias Modification program for young people with anxiety and hazardous alcohol use. Themes emerged relating to the program's ease of use, appropriateness, engagement and motivation, and clinical value. The program was deemed an acceptable adjunct treatment and was rated particularly highly on quality and ease of use. Suggestions for improvement included adding a compelling rationale for training and including a psychoeducational‐based module at the outset of training.