Efficacy of a smartphone-based Cognitive Bias Modification program for emotion regulation: A randomized-controlled crossover trial
Dietel FA, Rupprecht R, Seriyo AM, Post M, Sudhoff B, Reichart J, Berking M, Buhlmann U (2024)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2024
Journal
Book Volume: 35
Article Number: 100719
DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2024.100719
Abstract
Previous research has identified maladaptive emotion regulation as a key factor in psychopathology. Thus, addressing emotion regulation via scalable, low-threshold digital interventions – such as smartphone-based Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) – holds important therapeutic potential. Using a randomized-controlled crossover trial, we tested the efficacy of an integrated CBM module within the Affect Regulation Training (ART, i.e., CBM-ART) that targeted emotion regulation through elements of appraisal-based and approach avoidance training. Undergraduate students reporting elevated stress were randomized to a one-week active intervention (Mindgames; including psychoeducation, a quiz, and CBM-ART; n = 40), active control training (Emo Shape; including placebo psychoeducation, a quiz, and a placebo swiping task; n = 36) or waitlist (n = 25). Before and after the intervention, we assessed emotion regulation, interpretation bias, stress and depression. We further tested post-training stress reactivity using an anagram task. Results indicated that the active intervention improved negative (OR = 0.35) and positive (OR = 2.40) interpretation biases and symptom measures (d = 0.52–0.87). However, active control training showed attenuated concurrent pre-post changes on interpretation biases (i.e., OR = 0.53 for negative, and OR = 1.49 for positive interpretations) and symptom measures (d = 0.26–0.91). The active intervention was rated positively in terms of acceptability and usability. These findings provide initial evidence for the efficacy and acceptability of an integrated app-based CBM intervention for emotion regulation in reducing interpretation biases and psychopathological symptoms, including stress. However, future studies should disentangle specific mechanisms underlying interventional effects.
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Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Dietel, F.A., Rupprecht, R., Seriyo, A.M., Post, M., Sudhoff, B., Reichart, J.,... Buhlmann, U. (2024). Efficacy of a smartphone-based Cognitive Bias Modification program for emotion regulation: A randomized-controlled crossover trial. Internet Interventions, 35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2024.100719
MLA:
Dietel, Fanny Alexandra, et al. "Efficacy of a smartphone-based Cognitive Bias Modification program for emotion regulation: A randomized-controlled crossover trial." Internet Interventions 35 (2024).
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