Background and objectivesIt is well established that attention bias and interpretation bias each have a key role in the development and continuation of anxiety. How the biases may interact with one another in anxiety is, however, poorly understood. Using cognitive bias modification techniques, the present study examined whether training a more positive interpretation bias or attention bias resulted in transfer of effects to the untrained cognitive domain. Differences in anxiety reactivity to a real-world stressor were also assessed.MethodsNinety-seven first year undergraduates who had self-reported anxiety were allocated to one of four groups: attention bias training (n = 24), interpretation bias training (n = 26), control task training (n = 25) and no training (n = 22). Training was computer-based and comprised eight sessions over four weeks. Baseline and follow-up measures of attention and interpretation bias, anxiety and depression were taken.ResultsA significant reduction in threat-related attention bias and an increase in positive interpretation bias occurred in the attention bias training group. The interpretation bias training group did not exhibit a significant change in attention bias, only interpretation bias. The effect of attention bias training on interpretation bias was significant as compared with the two control groups. There were no effects on self-report measures.LimitationsThe extent to which interpretive training can modify attentional processing remains unclear.ConclusionsFindings support the idea that attentional training might have broad cognitive consequences, impacting downstream on interpretive bias. However, they do not fully support a common mechanism hypothesis, as interpretive training did not impact on attentional bias.

Objectives. Early shaming experiences have been suggested to be associated with later psychopathological symptoms. Understanding this relationship is complex, due to a number of psychological processes potentially influencing this. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to further explore the nature of the mediating effect of experiential avoidance in the association between early shame experiences and psychological distress, and whether self-compassion moderates this relationship by mitigating the effects of this. Design.A cross-sectional design was conducted using self-report measures of early shaming experiences, experiential avoidance, self-compassion, and psychological distress.Method. An online study of 556 participants, comprised of participants from the general population and university students participated within this online study.Results. The moderated mediation model explained 51% of variance within depressive symptoms. Experiential avoidance was found to mediate the association between early shaming experiences and depressive symptoms. This mediating relationship was shown to be moderated by self-compassion, with higher levels of self-compassion being associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms across all levels of experiential avoidance levels (low, medium, and high). Conclusion.These findings suggest that self-compassion may play a significant buffering role within attenuating the effects of experiential avoidance associated with depressive symptoms. Such findings present important clinical and theoretical implications in further understanding the protective role of self-compassion within early shaming experiences and the relationship between depressive symptoms. Practitioner pointsEarly shaming experiences have been linked to later psychological distress. Experiential avoidance identified a core underlying psychological process in the relationship between early shaming experiences and psychological distress. Self-compassion offers a range of protective features that may alleviate the effects of experiential avoidance and depressive symptoms.This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BACKGROUND: Despite efficacy and effectiveness evidence, and recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), use of CBT self-help materials remains inconsistent in UK mental health services. Since 2006, the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programe provides standardised training and mandates routine use of CBT self-help materials by their trainee psychological well-being practitioners (PWPs).AIMS: This study tested whether the main constructs of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB; attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control), past use, prior training and demographic characteristics, would predict PWPs' intention to use self-help materials routinely in their clinical practice.METHODS: Stage 1 utilised a standardised procedure to create measures for the constructs of the TPB, before the design and testing of a web-based, cross-sectional questionnaire. In Stage 2, the questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of trainee PWPs (n=94). Data was analysed using multiple linear regression, mediation analyses, and content analysis.RESULTS: TPB constructs predicted intention to use self-help materials, with only direct attitude contributing significantly to 70% of the variance in intention. Past use of materials predicted intention, via direct and indirect mediation. Qualitative data from 43 trainees highlighted clients' experience of self-help materials as positive, albeit with some practical constraints. CONCLUSIONS:The results suggest that the main constructs of the TPB have some utility in predicting trainee PWPs' intention to use self-help materials routinely. Future prospective, longitudinal research could investigate actual use of self-help materials to elucidate cognitive factors involved in trainees' clinical decision-making post-qualification.

On Thursday 31 January, over fifty psychologists from all over the country attended Malcolm Adam’s funeral that was held at Colney Woodland Burials, outside of Norwich. It was a fine and crisp January day and the location was both peaceful and serene. The funeral was arranged according to humanist tradition and was attended by a large number of Malcolm’s family, friends and colleagues. Tributes were paid by family and work colleagues. Stephen Morley gave the following tribute to Malcolm and spoke for all those present as friend and professional colleague.

This paper describes the findings of research exploring factors which may help or hinder the development of clinical leadership among trainee clinical psychologists, and the extent to which trainees gain experience consistent with the Leadership Development Framework.