Cognitive bias modification for facial interpretation: a randomized controlled trial of transfer to self-report and cognitive measures in a healthy sample

Abstract

Cognitive bias modification is a potential low-intensity intervention for mood disorders, but previous studies have shown mixed success. This study explored whether facial interpretation bias modification (FIBM), a similar paradigm designed to shift emotional interpretation (and/or perception) of faces would transfer to: (i) self-reported symptoms and (ii) a battery of cognitive tasks. In a preregistered, double-blind randomized controlled trial, healthy participants received eight online sessions of FIBM (N = 52) or eight sham sessions (N = 52). While we replicate that FIBM successfully shifts ambiguous facial expression interpretation in the intervention group, this failed to transfer to the majority of self-report or cognitive measures. There was, however, weak, inconclusive evidence of transfer to a self-report measure of stress, a cognitive measure of anhedonia, and evidence that results were moderated by trait anxiety (whereby transference was greatest in those with higher baseline symptoms). We discuss the need for work in both larger and clinical samples, while urging caution that these FIBM training effects may not transfer to clinically relevant domains.

Emotional recognition training modifies neural response to emotional faces but does not improve mood in healthy volunteers with high levels of depressive symptoms

“…Our mood state outcomes do not investigate this possibility. However, while a recent study of our CBM technique (Peters et al, 2017) with healthy participants showed little evidence of transfer of bias modification to a variety of cognitive tasks thought to be impacted by low mood, there was weak evidence of transfer to a measure of the impact of stressful events in daily life, particularly in those participants with higher baseline anxiety. This is consistent with Grafton et al .…”

How representative are neuroimaging samples? Large-scale evidence for trait anxiety differences between fMRI and behaviour-only research participants.

“…Therefore, we set out to gather a large dataset of existing trait anxiety scores from labs across multiple institutions who routinely collect trait anxiety measures in their behavioural and MRI studies 1,25,[41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54] . In order to control for possible confounds and examine interaction effects, we additionally collected the following variables: gender, age, whether and how participants were screened for affective/psychiatric disorders, and whether the study involved the presence of a stressor and/or pharmacological manipulation (see Methods for details).…”

Emotional bias training as a treatment for anxiety and depression: evidence from experimental medicine studies in healthy and medicated samples

“…In study 1, we examined the effectiveness of EBT in a sample of healthy volunteers to test the feasibility of conducting the EBT trial remotely and to explore Peters et al's (2017) finding that EBT may lead to a reduction in daily stress in healthy participants. Mental health and functional outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-training, and at a 2-week follow-up.…”

“…We hypothesised that four sessions of EBT would induce a positivity bias in the recognition of emotional facial expressions, as shown in previous laboratory-based research (Penton-Voak et al, 2012). We also hypothesised that this change in bias would transfer to decreased daily stress and greater motivation to seek reward (Peters et al, 2017). We also explored if EBT led to self-reported improvements in quality of life.…”