Attention Bias Modification for High Anxious Individuals (1 CE)
Course Level: Intermediate
This course is for: Â Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, and MFTs
Course Developed By: Tim Grigsby, PhD & Kristin Ceppaluni, LMHC, NCC
Content By: Mogg, K., Waters, A. M., & Bradley, B. P. (2017). Attention bias modification (ABM): Review of effects of multisession ABM training on anxiety and threat-related attention in high-anxious individuals. Clinical Psychological Science, 5 (4), 698-717.
Course Description: The goal of attention bias modification (ABM) training is to decrease anxiety symptoms by reducing attentional bias (AB) to threat cues. Mixed findings have been derived from existing research respective of ABM-threat-avoidance training programs. Anxiety reduction has been apparent following ABM training, but the variety of assessment tasks, use of different comparison groups, and lack of null findings makes it difficult to ascertain the true efficacy of such programs for attenuating anxiety. The most promising form of ABM training is ABM-positive-search-training; however, findings are limited to a narrow set of studies. Addressing the existing theoretical and methodological shortcomings of previous research can promote an understanding of the relationship between threat reactivity and anxiety and bolster treatment effectiveness for ABM training programs.
Learning Objectives:
- Define attention bias and the relation to the etiology of anxiety
- Describe the two major methodological issues for studies premised on the efficacy of ABM-threat-avoidance training
- Consider the usefulness of attention bias modification training and articulate how such training reduces anxiety symptoms in different contexts
Course Outline:
- Read and understand Attention bias modification (ABM): Review of effects of multisession ABM training on anxiety and threat-related attention in high-anxious individuals
- Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
- Consider the relationship between threat reactivity and anxiety severity and the way attention bias modification can serve as a potential treatment modality
- Work through the post-test questions; keep in mind that answer selections should be derived from the respective article
- Return to the referenced article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the strengths and limitations of the current research study for establishing the efficacy of attention bias modification training for anxiety symptom reduction
Approvals:
Board Approvals | American Psychological Association (APA), NBCC, Florida Board - Social Work, MFT, Counseling, and Psychology, NYSED - Social Work, MFT and Counseling Only, American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders |
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CE Format | Online, Text-Based |