Cognitive bias modification (CBM) refers to procedures used in psychology that aim to directly change biases in cognitive processes, such as biased attention toward threat (vs. benign) stimuli and biased interpretation of ambiguous stimuli as threatening.[1] The procedures are designed to modify information processing via cognitive tasks that use basic learning principles and repeated practice to encourage a healthier thinking style in line with the training contingency.
CBM research emerged as investigators used the same techniques to assess attention bias to the manipulation of attention bias.[2] This allowed for tests of the causal relationship between cognitive biases and emotional states (e.g., does selectively attending to threatening information cause greater anxiety). Over time, CBM paradigms were developed to modify biases in other areas of information processing, including interpretation, memory, motivation (e.g., approach–avoidance behaviors), and attributional style. The early success of the procedures in inducing change in bias led researchers to see the potential benefit of CBM as an intervention for emotional and behavioral disorders. Given that the maladaptive cognitive processes implicated in models of emotional vulnerability and dysfunction are targeted by CBM, there is considerable interest in the theoretical and applied importance of the techniques. As such, many recent studies of CBM have targeted cognitive biases in people with anxiety and depressive symptoms.[3]
Research on the effectiveness of CBM in shifting attention and interpretation biases has indicated promising evidence in adult populations, though there are also some null results.[4] Additionally, CBM can reduce anxiety symptoms and stress vulnerability in some cases though these effects are more mixed. There is also some evidence of CBM’s effectiveness in depression symptomatology. Researchers have pointed to the practical benefits offered by CBM, such as scalability and ease of dissemination, potential for augmentation effects with cognitive-behavioral therapy, and cost-effectiveness.[5] Further research on CBM is needed, however, as the evidence for its long-term effects are less clear, including in children.[4]