Cited by 124Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive ProcessesDigital Mental Health InterventionsPsychological Treatments and Assessments

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 35 of the 35 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 36 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.

Socially anxious primary care patients' attitudes toward cognitive bias modification (CBM): A qualitative study

Open access
Beard, Courtney, Weisberg, Risa B., Primack, Jennifer·2012·Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy

Abstract

Background:Cognitive bias modification (CBM) is a novel treatment for anxiety disorders that utilizes computerized tasks to train attention and interpretation biases away from threat. To date, attitudes toward and acceptability of CBM have not been systematically examined.Method:We conducted qualitative interviews with 10 anxious primary care patients to examine attitudes toward and initial impressions of CBM. Interviews explored general impressions, as well as reactions to the treatment rationale and two computer programs, one targeting attention bias and one targeting interpretation bias. Three clinical psychologists independently coded transcripts and collaboratively developed categories and themes guided by grounded theory.Results:A number of facilitators and barriers emerged related to engaging in treatment in general, computerized treatment, and CBM specifically. Participants stated that the written rationale for CBM seemed relevant and helpful. However, after interacting with the attention modification program, participants frequently expressed a lack of understanding about how the program would help with anxiety. Participants reported greater understanding and engagement with the interpretation modification program.Conclusions:Participants reported a number of positive characteristics of CBM, but it may need improvements regarding its treatment rationale and credibility. Future qualitative studies with individuals who complete a CBM treatment are warranted. Implications for future CBM development and dissemination are discussed.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This qualitative study interviewed 10 socially anxious primary care patients about cognitive bias modification (CBM) after a brief rationale and demonstration. Participants saw positives in CBM but often lacked understanding of how the attention-bias task would help anxiety, while they reported greater understanding and engagement with the interpretation-bias task.

Key findings

  • Participants identified facilitators and barriers to engaging in treatment in general, computerized treatment, and CBM specifically; the written CBM rationale seemed relevant and helpful, but after trying the attention modification program, many expressed a lack of understanding about how it would help with anxiety.
  • Participants preferred the interpretation modification program (CBM-I) over the attention modification program (CBM-A), finding CBM-I more intuitive, fun, and engaging; CBM-A was more often called “weird,” “repetitive and boring,” “frustrating,” and “aggravating.”
  • Most participants described the CBM tasks as “easy” and “straightforward,” and most found the commonly used protocol of eight sessions over four weeks acceptable, though some thought more sessions would be needed to reverse longstanding habits.
  • A significant theme was the need to understand CBM: participants asked “what was the point of that?” and stated “people need to know why they’re doing something,” especially regarding the CBM-A task.

Methods

  • Qualitative interview study with 10 anxious primary care patients recruited from one medium-sized family medicine practice; inclusion required age 18+, clinic patient, LSAS total score ≥ 30, no active psychosis or mania, and English literacy. Of 26 screened, 7 were not socially anxious, 9 did not participate, and 10 completed the interview.
  • Semi-structured individual interviews lasted 37 to 57 minutes (M = 46.5, SD = 7.72); participants read a brief CBM rationale, completed brief demonstrations of a CBM-A dot-probe task and a CBM-I task, and discussed impressions.
  • Three clinical psychologists independently coded verbatim transcripts using iterative grounded theory, discussed themes collaboratively, and determined saturation after 10 interviews.

Limitations

  • Stated: the sample was modest and from one location, lacked ethnic diversity, comprised volunteers, and 9 of 10 had received prior mental health treatment; findings may not generalize to anxious primary care patients who avoid such interactions, to other disorders targeted by CBM, or beyond initial impressions after a brief demonstration rather than completed treatment.
  • Stated: participants’ hypothetical beliefs about what they may desire should be interpreted cautiously because attitudes do not always correlate with actual behavior.
  • Evident: the Principal Investigator conducted the interviews and had a priori beliefs that participants would find the tasks boring and unusual, which may have influenced interview dynamics, though independent coding and consensus procedures were used.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1017/s1352465811000671

Cites

35 of 35 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

0 of 36 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    After interacting with the attention modification program, participants frequently expressed a lack of understanding about how the program would help with anxiety.

    “However, after interacting with the attention modification program, participants frequently expressed a lack of understanding about how the program would help with anxiety.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Participants stated that the written rationale for CBM seemed relevant and helpful.

    “Participants stated that the written rationale for CBM seemed relevant and helpful.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Participants identified social anxiety symptoms as a barrier to seeking treatment.

    “Participants specifically identified social anxiety symptoms as a barrier.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    A significant theme emerged around participants' need to understand CBM.

    “A significant theme emerged around participants’ need to understand CBM.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Some participants believed a computer would be helpful because they currently use computers to relax.

    “Some participants believed a computer would be helpful because they currently use computers to relax.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 41
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 43
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Participants reported greater understanding and engagement with the interpretation modification program.

    “Participants reported greater understanding and engagement with the interpretation modification program.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Compared to the CBM-A task, participants found CBM-I to be more fun and more engaging.

    “Compared to the CBM-A task, participants found CBM-I to be more fun and more engaging”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    Participants believed that anxiety symptoms might prevent people from seeking treatment.

    “Participants believed that anxiety symptoms might prevent people from seeking treatment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    Participants noted that most people do not like to feel like they did something wrong.

    “They noted that most people do not like to feel like they did something wrong.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Most comments about dislike of computers related to a hypothetical dislike, but one participant expressed a personal discomfort with computers.

    “Most comments related to a hypothetical dislike (e.g., “some people aren’t into computers”), but one participant expressed a personal discomfort with computers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Eight participants reported regular computer use and familiarity, while two reported infrequent or limited computer use.

    “Eight participants reported regular computer use and familiarity, while two participants reported infrequent or limited computer use.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Participants thought the CBM-I task was a little more stressful, wanting to be correct.

    “Participants thought the CBM-I task “was a little more stressful… wanting to be correct”.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingown data

    Participants stated that people need to know why they're doing something.

    “Participants stated that “people need to know why they’re doing something.””
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Participants stated that computerized treatments may be particularly helpful for people with social anxiety or who have trouble talking or expressing themselves.

    “participants stated that computerized treatments may be particularly helpful for people with social anxiety or who have “trouble talking or expressing themselves.””
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Of the 26 individuals screened, seven were not socially anxious, nine did not participate, and the remaining 10 met inclusion criteria and completed the interview.

    “Of the 26 individuals who were screened for initial eligibility, seven were not socially anxious, and nine did not participate (unable to contact (n=6), unable to schedule (n=2), not interested (n=1)). The remaining 10 participants met the study inclusion criteria and completed the interview”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Several participants asked what was the point of that or stated I don't understand what it is doing.

    “Several participants asked “what was the point of that?” or stated “I don’t understand what it is doing.””
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Most participants felt that the rationale provided made sense and seemed relevant to their experience with anxiety.

    “Most participants felt that the rationale provided made sense and seemed relevant to their experience with anxiety.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Participants reported using computers for work, playing games, and looking up information, including medical information.

    “Participants reported using computers for work, playing games, and looking up information, including medical information.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Participants believed that going to an office would prevent procrastination about completing the treatment and allow for better engagement.

    “Participants also believed that going to an office would prevent procrastination about completing the treatment and allow for better engagement”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Some participants liked the idea of a new treatment that took a different approach from established therapies and expressed a desire for non-pharmacologic interventions.

    “Some participants liked the idea of a new treatment that took a different approach from established therapies and expressed a desire for non-pharmacologic interventions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    Participants stated that many people have difficulty admitting something is wrong or negative about themselves.

    “They stated that many people have difficulty admitting something is “wrong” or “negative” about themselves.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Some participants had not thought of a computer program helping with anxiety and could not imagine how it could help.

    “Some participants had not “really thought of a computer program helping out with that” and could not “imagine how it could help.””
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    Some participants stated they currently use computers to seek medical information.

    “Others stated that they currently use computers to seek medical information”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    One participant noted that you're really evaluated by the CBM-I task.

    “One participant noted that “you’re really evaluated” by the CBM-I task.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Participants found the CBM tasks enjoyable and compared the program to a game or puzzle.

    “Participants found the tasks enjoyable and compared the program to a game or puzzle.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    While most participants understood the need for repetition to reverse a habit, many still did not think they would complete such a repetitive treatment.

    “While most participants understood the need for repetition to reverse a habit, many still did not think they would complete such a repetitive treatment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    This participant thought that conscious awareness of the programs' training contingencies might detract from its effect.

    “This participant thought that conscious awareness of the programs’ training contingencies might detract from its effect.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Although most participants wanted to understand specifically how CBM works, most stated that, due to curiosity and hope, they would still try CBM if they did not know the mechanism of action.

    “although most participants wanted to understand specifically how CBM works, most stated that, due to curiosity and hope, they would still try CBM if they did not know the mechanism of action.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    One participant believed that naiveté about how CBM works may be critical.

    “one participant believed that naiveté about how CBM works may be critical.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Primary care patients' quotes expressed both positive and negative attitudes toward CBM and suggest important areas for refinement.

    “primary care patients’ quotes expressed both positive and negative attitudes toward CBM and suggest important areas for refinement.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    Some participants believed that more sessions would be needed to reverse longstanding habits.

    “some participants also believed that more sessions would be needed to reverse longstanding habits.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Most participants found the program to be easy and amusing, but some found it boring and strange.

    “most participants found the program to be easy and amusing, but some found it boring and strange.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    While there were negative reactions to the CBM-I task, participants preferred this task because it was more intuitive and engaging.

    “while there were negative reactions to the CBM-I task, participants preferred this task because it was more intuitive and engaging.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    Participants thought the programs might work on an unconscious level to reprogram their brains.

    “Participants thought the programs might work on an “unconscious level” to “reprogram” their brains.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    Participants believed that they would engage in a treatment for as long as it took to achieve results.

    “Participants also believed that they would engage in a treatment “for as long as it took” to achieve results.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    Several participants noted the implicit nature of the programs.

    “several participants noted the implicit nature of the programs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Whereas some participants found the CBM tasks to be boring and strange, others found them to be straightforward and engaging.

    “Whereas some participants found the CBM tasks to be boring and strange, others found them to be straightforward and engaging.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    CBM treatment involves computer tasks that directly modify a specific cognitive vulnerability to anxiety via repeated practice on a cognitive task.

    “CBM treatment involves computer tasks that directly modify a specific cognitive vulnerability to anxiety via repeated practice on a cognitive task.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    Participants reported positive characteristics of CBM, but CBM may need improvements regarding its treatment rationale and credibility.

    “Participants reported a number of positive characteristics of CBM, but it may need improvements regarding its treatment rationale and credibility.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Cognitive bias modification (CBM) is a novel treatment for anxiety that uses computerized tasks to train attention and interpretation biases away from threat.

    “Cognitive bias modification (CBM) is a novel treatment for anxiety disorders that utilizes computerized tasks to train attention and interpretation biases away from threat.”
    • Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
      “Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) is a novel treatment for anxiety that is garnering increasing interest (Beard, 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Beard, 2011
  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    New treatments that are efficacious, easily disseminated, and more acceptable are needed for anxiety.

    “Thus, new treatments that are efficacious, easily disseminated, and more acceptable are needed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Similar promising findings have been obtained with initial trials of CBM-I in individuals with high trait anxiety, socially anxious individuals, and individuals with GAD or SAD.

    “Similar promising findings have been obtained with initial trials of CBM-I in individuals with high trait anxiety (Mathews, Ridgeway, Cook, & Yiend, 2007), socially anxious individuals (Beard & Amir, 2008), and individuals with GAD or SAD (Beard, Weisberg, & Amir, in press; Brosan, Hoppitt, Shelfer, Sillence, & Mackintosh, 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Mathews, Ridgeway, Cook, & Yiend, 2007
    • cites Beard & Amir, 2008
    • cites Beard, Weisberg, & Amir, in press
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    A number of clinical trials suggest that CBM may be an efficacious treatment for anxiety disorders.

    “Moreover, a number of clinical trials suggest that CBM may be an efficacious treatment for anxiety disorders.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Patients seek treatment first from primary care providers, and are more likely to receive treatment in primary care settings compared to mental health settings.

    “Patients seek treatment first from primary care providers, and are more likely to receive treatment in primary care settings compared to mental health settings (Harman, Rollman, Hanusa, Lenze, & Shear, 2002).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Harman, Rollman, Hanusa, Lenze, & Shear, 2002
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    CBM may be a more acceptable treatment as it requires less time investment than current psychotherapies and lacks side effects associated with medication.

    “It also may be a more acceptable treatment as it requires less time investment than current psychotherapies and lacks side effects associated with medication.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Social anxiety may be associated with unique barriers to seeking treatment due to the nature of the disorder that may be overcome by CBM.

    “Finally, social anxiety may be associated with unique barriers to seeking treatment due to the nature of the disorder (e.g., fear of talking to authorities) that may be overcome by CBM, a computerized treatment that does not require clinician administration.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The LSAS has strong psychometric properties and a total score of 30 has shown good sensitivity and specificity for classifying participants with SAD.

    “The LSAS has strong psychometric properties (Fresco, Coles, & Heimberg, 2001; Heimberg, Horner, & Juster, 1999) and a total score of 30 has shown good sensitivity and specificity for classifying participants with SAD (Rytwinski et al., 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Fresco, Coles, & Heimberg, 2001
    • cites Heimberg, Horner, & Juster, 1999
    • cites Rytwinski et al., 2009
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    CBM is computerized and thus can be delivered in most settings, including patients' homes and on-line, and in a highly reliable manner across settings.

    “First, CBM is computerized; thus, it can be delivered in most settings, including patients’ homes and on-line, and in a highly reliable manner across settings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Administration of CBM is straightforward, requiring little to no technical knowledge or clinician assistance, making it an easy stepped care, adjunct, or stand-alone treatment.

    “Administration of CBM is straightforward, requiring little to no technical knowledge or clinician assistance, making it an easy stepped care, adjunct, or stand-alone treatment that could be delivered via the internet, schools, and primary care settings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given

    No published studies have systematically and qualitatively examined attitudes toward CBM, nor have any studies examined attitudes at the time of initial presentation of the treatment.

    “To our knowledge, no published studies have systematically and qualitatively examined attitudes toward CBM, nor have any studies examined attitudes at the time of initial presentation of the treatment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Participants in that open trial were on a waiting list for cognitive therapy, and thus the effect of participants' expectancy for further treatment on attrition is unknown.

    “However, participants in that trial were on a waiting list for cognitive therapy, and thus we do not know the effect of participants’ expectancy for further treatment on attrition.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brosan et al., 2011
  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    SAD is among the most common psychiatric disorders, and many individuals with SAD do not access existing treatments.

    “Moreover, an understanding of this population’s attitudes toward CBM is important because SAD is among the most common psychiatric disorders (Kessler et al., 2005), and many of these individuals do not access existing treatments (Olfson et al., 2000).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Kessler et al., 2005
    • cites Olfson et al., 2000
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisereasoning

    Most existing CBM treatments were developed for SAD, and thus CBM's efficacy has been demonstrated most strongly for social anxiety to date.

    “We chose to examine this issue in socially anxious individuals because most of the existing CBM treatments were developed for SAD, and thus, CBM’s efficacy has been demonstrated most strongly for social anxiety to date.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductnone given

    All participants in RCTs self-selected to participate in a research study on a computerized treatment, and studies provided participants compensation for attending sessions.

    “However, all participants self-selected to participate in a research study on a computerized treatment, and studies provided participants compensation for attending sessions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    In an open trial of combined CBM-A/CBM-I for adults with SAD or GAD, participants reported that the CBM-A task was 'boring' but found the CBM-I task helpful in stopping them from jumping to negative conclusions.

    “Participants reported that the CBM-A task was ‘boring’; however, they found the CBM-I task to be helpful in stopping them from jumping to negative conclusions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brosan et al.
  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    CBM treatments may alter cognitive biases through a more implicit, experiential process compared to the explicit, verbal process of psychotherapy.

    “Thus, CBM treatments may alter cognitive biases through a more implicit, experiential process compared to the explicit, verbal process of psychotherapy.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Studies testing CBM in non-anxious and analogue samples suggest that CBM protocols are efficacious in modifying cognitive biases associated with a wide range of psychopathology.

    “Studies testing CBM in non-anxious and analogue samples suggest that CBM protocols are efficacious in modifying cognitive biases associated with a wide range of psychopathology, e.g., general and social anxiety (see Beard, 2011; Hakamata et al., 2010 for reviews), obsessive-compulsive symptoms (Najmi & Amir, 2010), alcohol use (Field & Eastwood, 2005), and eating disorders (Smith & Rieger, 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Beard, 2011
    • cites Hakamata et al., 2010
  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in primary care.

    “Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in primary care (e.g., Stein, McQuaid, Laffaye, & McCahill, 1999).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Stein, McQuaid, Laffaye, & McCahill, 1999
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Between-group effect sizes (0.35 to 1.59) for CBM were solidly in the range of existing treatments for these disorders.

    “Between group effect sizes (0.35 to 1.59) for CBM were solidly in the range of existing treatments for these disorders.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    CBM protocols have most often targeted attention bias and interpretation bias.

    “To date, CBM protocols have most often targeted attention bias, i.e., the tendency to selectively attend to threat-relevant information (CBM-A) (e.g., MacLeod et al., 2002), and interpretation bias, i.e., the tendency to interpret stimuli in a negative or threatening manner (CBM-I) (e.g., Mathews & Mackintosh, 2000).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites MacLeod et al., 2002
    • cites Mathews & Mackintosh, 2000
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    A recent open trial did not compensate participants and obtained a similar attrition rate of 8%.

    “A recent open trial did not compensate participants and obtained a similar attrition rate of 8% (Brosan et al., 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brosan et al., 2011
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    Initial impressions may be more informative about potential consumer uptake of CBM than post-treatment assessment.

    “As compared to post-treatment assessment, initial impressions may be more informative about potential consumer uptake of CBM.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The computerized and standardized delivery of CBM makes it a potentially ideal treatment for primary care.

    “Finally, the computerized and standardized delivery of CBM makes it a potentially ideal treatment for primary care.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductnone given

    All three coders are clinical psychologists.

    “All three coders are clinical psychologists.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The qualitative analysis was guided by grounded theory and included iterative analysis, extensive discussion of themes, exploration of alternative codes, and independent checks by each coder.

    “In order to ensure the scientific rigor and trustworthiness of the qualitative analysis, we conducted an iterative analysis guided by grounded theory (Glaser, 1967), encouraged extensive discussion of themes among coders, explored alternative codes, and conducted independent checks by each coder.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Glaser, 1967
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductnone given

    R.B.W. and J.P. had no a priori expectations regarding participant attitudes.

    “R.B.W. and J.P. had no a priori expectations regarding participant attitudes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    C.B. had a priori beliefs that participants would find the tasks boring and unusual.

    “Due to her extensive experience administering CBM protocols in previous studies, C.B. had a priori beliefs about participant attitudes. Specifically, she expected participants would find the tasks boring and unusual.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductown data

    All raters agreed upon the final themes and quotations within each theme.

    “We continued this process until all raters agreed upon the final themes and quotations within each theme.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    These findings converge with participant feedback in Brosan and colleagues' study (2011), which also suggested that CBM is experienced as boring and that participants preferred the CBM-I task.

    “These findings converge with participant feedback in Brosan and colleagues’ study (2011), which also suggested that CBM is experienced as boring and that participants preferred the CBM-I task.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brosan and colleagues’ study (2011)
  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The sample comprised primary care patients who volunteered to discuss treatment with a researcher.

    “our sample comprised primary care patients who volunteered to discuss treatment with a researcher.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    The study focused on socially anxious primary care patients' attitudes toward CBM treatment for SAD.

    “we focused on socially anxious primary care patients attitudes toward CBM treatment for SAD.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Similar barriers emerged related to computerized CBT, such as participants finding computerized treatments impersonal and boring, as well as participants having less confidence in the treatment.

    “Similar barriers also emerged, such as participants finding computerized treatments impersonal and boring, as well as participants having less confidence in the treatment (Mitchell & Gordon, 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Mitchell & Gordon, 2007
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The current findings can only speak to participants' initial impressions of CBM after a brief demonstration, rather than to patient experiences with completing CBM as a treatment.

    “the current findings can only speak to participants’ initial impressions of CBM after a brief demonstration, rather than to patient experiences with completing CBM as a treatment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Beliefs and attitudes do not always correlate with actual behavior.
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductown data

    The authors conducted interviews with a modest number of primary care patients from one location.

    “we conducted interviews with a modest number of primary care patients from one location.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
69 of 69
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Current CBM protocols are extremely repetitive, requiring patients to complete hundreds of quick trials per session.

    “First, current protocols are extremely repetitive, requiring patients to complete hundreds of quick trials (e.g., lasting less than one second) per session.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    CBM protocols have low face validity and thus may be less credible than existing treatments.

    “Additionally, CBM protocols have low face validity and thus may be less credible than existing treatments.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    This study is the first to conduct a qualitative analysis of attitudes toward CBM.

    “This study is the first to conduct a qualitative analysis of attitudes toward CBM.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    CBM and CCBT have similar dissemination potential, such as stepped care and self-help.

    “Given that CBM and CCBT have similar dissemination potential (e.g., stepped care, self-help)”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Beliefs and attitudes do not always correlate with actual behavior.

    “Beliefs and attitudes do not always correlate with actual behavior.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Previous CBM protocols have not informed participants about how CBM is designed to reduce anxiety.

    “previous CBM protocols have not informed participants about how CBM is designed to reduce anxiety.”
6 of 6

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Existing CBM programs are generally deemed acceptable and feasible add-on treatments by clients and clinicians alike.

    “Finally, numerous studies have shown that existing CBM programs are generally deemed acceptable and feasible addon treatments by clients and clinicians alike (Beard et al., 2012; Leung et al., 2019; Rozenman et al., 2011).”

    From Acceptability and Co-Development of an Online Cognitive Bias Modification Intervention for Emerging Adults With Hazardous Alcohol Use and Social Anxiety: A Mixed Methods Study (2020) · cites this paper as Beard et al., 2012

    The paper reports that prior trials found CBM generally acceptable to patients and describes it as a potentially easy-to-deliver adjunct treatment (introduction passages labeled Abstract > Conclusions; page unavailable). Its Discussion also reports mixed patient reactions and reduced credibility after a demonstration. It does not establish that clinicians deem CBM acceptable or feasible. (LLM, conf=0.87)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • The positive finding that participants engaged well with ambiguous scenarios is contrary to previous literature which found CBM-I to be impersonal.

    “This is contrary to previous literature which found CBM-I to be impersonal [6].”

    From A qualitative study of the acceptability of cognitive bias modification for paranoia (CBM-pa) in patients with psychosis (2019) · cites this paper as [6]

    In Results (Attitudes toward computerized treatment for anxiety; page unavailable), participants said a computer could feel “sterile” and lack personal connection. The Discussion describes prior findings that computerized treatments felt impersonal, but does not attribute that finding specifically to CBM-I; the paper instead reports that participants found CBM-I more engaging than CBM-A. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • The sample size is in line with those used in previous CBM acceptability studies and the data collected provides sufficient insight from key stakeholder groups for refinement of the program.

    “While relatively small in number, this sample size is in line with those used in previous CBM acceptability studies (Beard et al., 2012; Lisk et al., 2018) and the data collected provides sufficient insight from key stakeholder groups for refinement of the program.”
  • Only two qualitative studies to date have examined patients' subjective experience of CBM, focussing on social anxiety.

    “To the best of our knowledge, only two qualitative studies to date have examined patients’ subjective experience of CBM, focussing on social anxiety [6, 17].”
  • CBM-I is generally perceived as logical and helpful while CBM-A was reported to be repetitive and hard to remain engaged with.

    “Prior studies that simultaneously investigate the acceptability of CBM-A and CBM-I in anxiety disorders indicate that CBM-I is generally perceived as a logical and helpful procedure while CBM-A was reported to be repetitive and hard to remain engaged with [6, 7].”

Citations

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. First, 1996, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders: patient edition (SCID-I/PI, version 2.0)

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Metadata

Authors
Beard, C., Weisberg, R. B., & Primack, J.
Affiliations
Brown University (US)
Corresponding author
Beard, Courtney
Venue
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
Published
2011-11-30
Volume
40
Issue
5
Pages
618-633
ISSN
  • 1352-4658 (ISSN-L)
  • 1469-1833
OpenAlex
W2119983695
Cited by
124
References
35
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 4
FWCI
7.39
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Mental Health (F32MH083330, MH69595, K23MH069595, MH083330)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychological Treatments and Assessments
Keywords
cognitive bias modification, social anxiety, primary care patients, treatment acceptability, patient attitudes, computerized cognitive training, attentional bias modification, interpretation bias modification, treatment rationale
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Anxiety Disorders, Attention, Attitude, Behavior Therapy, Cooperative Behavior, Culture, Female, Humans, Implosive Therapy, Judgment, Male, Middle Aged, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Patient Education as Topic, Phobic Disorders, Physician-Patient Relations, Primary Health Care, Therapy, Computer-Assisted, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Patient Satisfaction, Interdisciplinary Communication

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-10-09, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).

A second model labelled each claim on 2026-10-09 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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