Thesis
Testing an alternative hypothesis for cognitive bias modification for public speaking anxiety
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Aug 2011
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3907
Abstract
Anxious and depressed individuals tend to show biases in cognitions and implicit attitudes when presented with affectively-laden stimuli relevant to their specific mood state. Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) is a relatively new area of research based on the notion that these biases can be changed relatively quickly and easily, resulting in symptom reduction. CBM attempts to modify maladaptive behaviors and cognitions by training individuals to attend to more desirable stimuli rather than the stimuli that are consistent with the individuals' cognitive bias. In some cases, CBM appears to require as little as a single computer-based intervention. Several recent studies (e.g., Amir, Beard, Burns, & Bomyea, 2009; Amir, Beard, Taylor, et al., 2009; Amir, Weber, Beard, Bomyea, & Taylor, 2008; Li, Tan, Qian, & Liu, 2008; Schmidt, Richey, Buckner, & Timpano, 2009) have demonstrated that computer-based CBM treatments, compared with control groups, reduce social anxiety in both clinical and non-clinical samples. However, the design of these studies leaves open the possibility that simple attentional training, rather than bias modification per se, is responsible for the treatment effects. The current study attempted to replicate a one-session CBM study for public speaking (Amir et al., 2008) to verify this phenomenon, as well as test this alternative hypothesis by implementing a second control group that underwent simple attentional training. In general, results from all outcome measures failed to support both the replication and alternative hypothesis. This raises the question of whether CBM treatment effects are robust and reliable, and whether CBM is ready to be marketed to clinical populations as a viable treatment option.
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Details
- Title
- Testing an alternative hypothesis for cognitive bias modification for public speaking anxiety
- Creators
- Stephanie J. Rabin - DU
- Contributors
- James D. Herbert (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3907; 991014632431304721