Efficacy of a smartphone-based Cognitive Bias Modification program for emotion regulation: A randomized-controlled crossover trial

Abstract

Previous research has identified maladaptive emotion regulation as a key factor in psychopathology. Thus, addressing emotion regulation via scalable, low-threshold digital interventions – such as smartphone-based Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) – holds important therapeutic potential. Using a randomized-controlled crossover trial, we tested the efficacy of an integrated CBM module within the Affect Regulation Training (ART, i.e., CBM-ART) that targeted emotion regulation through elements of appraisal-based and approach avoidance training.

Undergraduate students reporting elevated stress were randomized to a one-week active intervention ( Mindgames; including psychoeducation, a quiz, and CBM-ART; n = 40), active control training ( Emo Shape; including placebo psychoeducation, a quiz, and a placebo swiping task; n  = 36) or waitlist ( n  = 25). Before and after the intervention, we assessed emotion regulation, interpretation bias, stress and depression. We further tested post-training stress reactivity using an anagram task.

Results indicated that the active intervention improved negative (OR = 0.35) and positive (OR = 2.40) interpretation biases and symptom measures ( d = 0.52–0.87). However, active control training showed attenuated concurrent pre-post changes on interpretation biases (i.e., OR = 0.53 for negative, and OR = 1.49 for positive interpretations) and symptom measures ( d = 0.26–0.91). The active intervention was rated positively in terms of acceptability and usability.

These findings provide initial evidence for the efficacy and acceptability of an integrated app-based CBM intervention for emotion regulation in reducing interpretation biases and psychopathological symptoms, including stress. However, future studies should disentangle specific mechanisms underlying interventional effects.

Highlights

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  Examined effects of smartphone-based CBM for emotion regulation in high stress.

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  CBM showed beneficial effects on interpretation bias, stress and depression.

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  Sham training produced attenuated effects, warranting mechanistic investigation.

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  Digital CBM for emotion regulation is a promising transdiagnostic intervention tool.