Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM)
University of Bath: Sally Adams
University of Bristol: Ian Penton-Voak (PI)
Cardiff University: Chris Chambers
University of Exeter: Anna Adlam
Background
Many psychological disorders are associated with cognitive biases: individuals with depression, for example, have a tendency to interpret social information negatively, while anxiety is associated with an attentional bias toward social and other threats in the environment. Such biases lead to the construction of unrealistically negative subjective realities in individuals, and play a role in vulnerability to, and maintenance of, mental health problems.
Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) is the process of changing such biases, most commonly using automated computerised training techniques. This relatively new family of therapies shows great promise, with considerable work showing that biases can be successfully altered, and some research indicating positive effects of such training on real world behavioural outcomes. As CBM is a computer based, automated form of therapy with no need for on-going personal contact with a therapist, it has clear potential to form a low cost component of mental health treatment. The ability to administer CBM over personal devices such as smartphones and tablets has led to a current boom in the development of related eHealth apps.
Despite obvious promise, considerable challenges face this area of research. Translation from laboratory studies to real world applications have not always proved successful: interventions with demonstrable efficacy do not always translate into effective treatments. Outcome measures used to determine success are limited (often relying on self-report), as is work with clinical populations.
Project Summary
The project established a GW4 CBM community that was able to share knowledge, understand existing links and the extent of complementary expertise. The community used vacation studentships to complete five small-scale research projects which demonstrated common ground in task design and underlying theoretical developments. This pilot work from the studentships was discussed at a sandpit event in Bristol and formed the basis for external funding applications from the community.
