Short-Term Results of A Web-Based Attentional Bias Modification Program for Smoking Relapse Prevention
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Abstract
Background. Smoking relapse prevention programs – mostly targeting explicit processes of behavior change – have shown only modest behavioral effects. Implicit cognitive processes such as attentional and approach biases have been associated with smoking behavior.
Objectives. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a multiple-session attentional bias modification (ABM) training in modifying these implicit cognitive biases and fostering six months continued smoking abstinence. Differential effects of the training were assessed for light-moderate and heavy smokers.
Methods. Participants were daily current smokers, aged between 18 and 65 years, who were motivated to quit smoking within one month and made a quit-attempt. The study was a randomized controlled trial with two conditions: 1. a control group, 2 an ABM-training. Both conditions consisted of a pre- and post-training assessment, six intervention sessions and a follow-up measurement after six months. The intervention sessions were either training sessions or assessments only (in the control condition). Group allocation was randomized. Pre- and post-training assessments consisted of subjective measures of smoking-related cognitions (e.g., self-efficacy) and implicit measures of attentional bias (Visual Probe (VP) task) and approach bias (Stimulus Response Compatibility (SRC) task). Follow-up measurements assessed self-reported continued abstinence.
Results. The ABM-training had a significant positive effect on continued abstinence, in heavy smokers only. In heavy smokers, the training resulted in small effects with regard to attentional bias and no effects on approach bias. The training had no effect for light to moderate smokers.
Conclusions This study is the first to show significant effects of an ABM-training in fostering continued smoking abstinence among heavy smokers who made a quit-attempt.
Objectives. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a multiple-session attentional bias modification (ABM) training in modifying these implicit cognitive biases and fostering six months continued smoking abstinence. Differential effects of the training were assessed for light-moderate and heavy smokers.
Methods. Participants were daily current smokers, aged between 18 and 65 years, who were motivated to quit smoking within one month and made a quit-attempt. The study was a randomized controlled trial with two conditions: 1. a control group, 2 an ABM-training. Both conditions consisted of a pre- and post-training assessment, six intervention sessions and a follow-up measurement after six months. The intervention sessions were either training sessions or assessments only (in the control condition). Group allocation was randomized. Pre- and post-training assessments consisted of subjective measures of smoking-related cognitions (e.g., self-efficacy) and implicit measures of attentional bias (Visual Probe (VP) task) and approach bias (Stimulus Response Compatibility (SRC) task). Follow-up measurements assessed self-reported continued abstinence.
Results. The ABM-training had a significant positive effect on continued abstinence, in heavy smokers only. In heavy smokers, the training resulted in small effects with regard to attentional bias and no effects on approach bias. The training had no effect for light to moderate smokers.
Conclusions This study is the first to show significant effects of an ABM-training in fostering continued smoking abstinence among heavy smokers who made a quit-attempt.
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