Efficacy of the Chinese version interpretation bias modification training in an unselected sample: A randomized trial

Training individuals to interpret ambiguous information in positive ways might be an effective method of reducing social anxiety. However, little research had been carried out in Chinese samples, and the effect of interpretation training on other processes such as attentional bias also remained unclear. This study examined the effect of interpretation bias modification program (IMP) on interpretation bias, social anxiety and attentional bias, and the possible mediation effects. 51 healthy adults were randomly assigned to either a 5-session IMP training that guided them to endorse benign interpretation in ambiguous scenarios or an interpretation control condition (ICC). Self-reported measures of social anxiety symptoms, attentional bias and interpretation bias were evaluated before and after training. Results showed that compared to control group, IMP group generated more positive interpretations and less negative interpretations after training (F(1,49) = 7.65, p<0.01, eta(2)(p) = 0.14; F(1,49) = 14.60, p<0.01, eta(2)(p) = 0.23respectively). IMP yielded greater interpretation bias reduction (F(1,49) = 12.84, p<0.01, eta(2)(p) = 0.21) and social anxiety reduction (F(1,49) = 21.39, p<0.01, eta(2)(p) = 0.30) than ICC, but change in attentional bias was not significant between IMP and the control group. Change in interpretation bias did not show a significant mediation effect in the relationship between training condition and social anxiety reduction. This study provided preliminary evidence for the efficacy of the Chinese version of IMP training. Possible methodological issues and interpretations underlying the findings were discussed. This study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chitr.org.cn), a WHO approved registry. The title of registration trial was A Study on the efficiency of cognitive bias and attentional bias training on fear and phobia and the registration number was ChiCTR2100045670.

Automated summary

This study suggests that training individuals to interpret ambiguous information in positive ways can effectively reduce social anxiety. The Interpretation Bias Modification Program (IMP) showed greater reduction in interpretation bias and social anxiety compared to the Interpretation Control Condition (ICC), but did not significantly affect attentional bias.