University of Twente Student Theses
Improving Implicit Self-esteem via a Targeted Mobile Cognitive Bias Modification Intervention
Sowder, Evan (2024) Improving Implicit Self-esteem via a Targeted Mobile Cognitive Bias Modification Intervention.
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| Abstract: | Background: Implicit self-esteem (ISE), the automatic and unconscious component of self-worth, has been recognized as a key factor in mental health and well-being. Cognitive bias modification (CBM) interventions have shown potential for enhancing implicit attitudes through targeted attention training and belief modification. Improving implicit self-esteem may be particularly beneficial as an add-on treatment for individuals with depression and anxiety where self-esteem is a key vulnerability factor and treatment target. The current pilot pre-post study aims to explore the efficacy of a novel CBM intervention for improving implicit self-esteem in adults aged 18+. Furthermore, its impact on explicit self-esteem, depression, and anxiety will be evaluated. Methods: 18 participants were used for data analysis (12 females, mean age 25 years). The participants completed psychometric scales measuring explicit self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and an Implicit Association Test (IAT) involving a matching game which was used to measure implicit self-esteem. Next, participants were asked to participate in a 3-day CBM intervention game twice a day which involved matching terms using implicit association and CBM built in the TIIM (Twente Intervention and Interaction Machine) app on their mobile phone. Afterwords, participants were asked to complete the same psychometric scales and the IAT again. Results: A statistically significant increase in implicit self-esteem scores from pretest (Mdn = 0.41, IQR = 0.48) to posttest (Mdn = 0.62, IQR = 0.39; V = 125, p = .045) was found. However, changes in ISE were not significantly correlated with changes in depression (ρ = .38, S = 597.11, p = .116) or anxiety (ρ = .18, S = 794.55, p = .475). Furthermore, The results indicated a non-significant, weak positive correlation between Implicit self-esteem and explicit self-esteem ( = .03, p = .898). Conclusion: This pilot study examined the effects of a CBM intervention on implicit self-esteem (ISE) and its potential links to well-being, explicit self-esteem (ESE), and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The intervention led to a significant increase in ISE, though associations between changes in ISE and changes in depression, anxiety, and ESE were not statistically significant. The increase in ISE suggests further research is needed, as the study's limited sample size may have impeded the detection of significant relationships. Overall, the findings highlight the need for future studies with larger samples and more robust methodologies to better understand the intervention's impact on psychological well-being. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/102758 |
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