Multiple Adaptive Attention-Bias-Modification Programs to Alter Normative Increase in the Error-Related Negativity in Adolescents

Abstract

In the current article, we examined the impact of two home-delivered attentional-bias-modification (ABM) programs on a biomarker of anxiety (i.e., the error-related negativity [ERN]). The ERN is sensitivity to ABM-related changes; however, it is unclear whether ABM exerts its influence on the ERN and anxiety by increasing general attentional control or by disengaging spatial allocation of attention. In this study, we measured the ERN, anxiety, attention bias, and attention control before and after two versions of ABM training and a waitlist control group in 546 adolescents. An ABM designed to increase attention control modulated the ERN but had no impact on anxiety. An ABM designed to reduce attentional bias changed bias and self-reported anxiety in youths but had no impact on the ERN or parent-reported anxiety. These results suggest that the ERN and normative anxiety may be modified using attention training.

Neural deficits in anticipatory and consummatory reward processing are uniquely associated with current depressive symptoms during adolescence

“…The current study utilized data collected during the second visit of a multisite longitudinal project that investigated the effects of an adaptive attention bias modification (AABM) program on anxiety and error‐related negativity (ERN) in a large sample of adolescents (R01MH106477); the primary aims for this project are reported elsewhere (Amir et al, 2022). Of this larger sample, a total of 127 participants completed the monetary incentive delay (MID) task described in the current study.…”