Towards implementation of cognitive bias modification in mental health care: State of the science, best practices, and ways forward

Janna N. Vrijsen*, Ben Grafton, Ernst H.W. Koster, Jennifer Lau, Charlotte E. Wittekind, Yair Bar-Haim, Eni S. Becker, Melissa A. Brotman, Jutta Joormann, Amit Lazarov, Colin MacLeod, Victoria Manning, Jeremy W. Pettit, Mike Rinck, Elske Salemink, Marcella L. Woud, Lauren S. Hallion, Reinout W. Wiers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Cognitive bias modification (CBM) has evolved from an experimental method testing cognitive mechanisms of psychopathology to a promising tool for accessible digital mental health care. While we are still discovering the conditions under which clinically relevant effects occur, the dire need for accessible, effective, and low-cost mental health tools underscores the need for implementation where such tools are available. Providing our expert opinion as Association for Cognitive Bias Modification members, we first discuss the readiness of different CBM approaches for clinical implementation, then discuss key considerations with regard to implementation. Evidence is robust for approach bias modification as an adjunctive intervention for alcohol use disorders and interpretation bias modification as a stand-alone intervention for anxiety disorders. Theoretical predictions regarding the mechanisms by which bias and symptom change occur await further testing. We propose that CBM interventions with demonstrated efficacy should be provided to the targeted populations. To facilitate this, we set a research agenda based on implementation frameworks, which includes feasibility and acceptability testing, co-creation with end-users, and collaboration with industry partners.

Original languageEnglish
Article number104557
Number of pages13
JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy
Volume179
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors

Keywords

  • Cognitive bias modification
  • eHealth
  • implementation
  • intervention
  • mental health care
  • review

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