Computerized Cognitive Bias Modification for Interpretation (CBM-I) among Japanese university students with social anxiety

Cognitive Bias Modification for Interpretation (CBM-I) has been shown to reduce negative biases that exacerbate anxiety. In this study, we developed and tested the first Japanese version of CBM-I via a short, intensive program using two CBM-I procedures in two separate studies (Study 1 and Study 2). In Study 1, 38 randomized participants were enrolled in a one-week text-based scenario training program (positive condition) or a waitlist (control condition). In Study 2, picture word cues were added to the initial procedure, and 66 randomized participants were enrolled in a one-week online program or control condition. In both studies, the control group completed the same positive interpretation task after one week on standby. In the comparison between conditions for the text-only procedure (Study 1), no significant differences were observed in any outcomes; however, within-subject comparisons in all participants demonstrated significant improvements at the one-month follow-up. In Study 2, in which picture cues were added, the test participants demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in social anxiety symptoms compared with the control group. Depressive symptoms, negative interpretation bias, social cost probability bias, and negative and positive effects significantly improved at the one-month follow-up. Thus, the text-based CBM-I was enhanced by the inclusion of picture-based CBM-I in terms of social anxiety, depressive symptoms, interpretation bias, and emotional aspects.Trial Registration: UMIN-CTR UMIN000040571 (Study 1) and UMIN000040538 (Study 2), registered on June 1, 2020. Retrospectively registered.

Automated summary

In this study, the first Japanese version of CBM-I was developed and tested through two separate experiments. The results showed that after one week of training, the picture-based CBM-I had significant effects on reducing social anxiety symptoms, compared to the control group.