University of Twente Student Theses

Effects of a Cognitive Bias Modification Intervention on Explicit and Implicit Social Anxiety and the Influences of Adherence, Baseline Levels and Impulsiveness: The IVY Application

Schlichter, N.L. (2022) Effects of a Cognitive Bias Modification Intervention on Explicit and Implicit Social Anxiety and the Influences of Adherence, Baseline Levels and Impulsiveness: The IVY Application.

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Abstract:	Background: Social Anxiety (SA) involves anticipation of negative evaluation by others, leading to avoidance of social situations or experiencing them with fear. Different cognitive biases play a role in SA. Aim: This research is a pilot study in investigating the effect of a Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) intervention on explicit and implicit SA, conducted in the IVY application during eight sessions. Stimuli associated with low SA are paired with oneself, and stimuli associated with high SA with others. This aims to strengthen a non-anxious self-concept. The effectiveness of IVY in reducing SA symptoms is investigated, as well as the influence of adherence to the training, baseline scores, and impulsiveness scores. Methods: Twenty-five participants completed the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) for measuring explicit SA, and an IAT for measuring implicit SA in D-scores before and after the intervention. Among participants, 17 completed the entire intervention and 8 completed it partly. Based on that, they were divided into groups to make inferences about the influence of adherence. Baseline scores were divided in low and high and the differences between them were compared. The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Short Form (BIS-15) was used to measure impulsiveness levels. Paired samples t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and repeated measures analyses were conducted. Results: Results showed significant reductions only in the adherence group. Participants with higher implicit SA at baseline showed a significant reduction in implicit SA, no such effects were found for explicit SA. The influence of impulsiveness scores was non-significant. Discussion: Participants who completed the entire intervention significantly reduced in SA symptoms. Those with higher implicit SA at baseline benefitted greater from it than those low at baseline. This suggests potential of IVY in reducing SA symptoms for individuals higher in SA when adhering to the intervention.
Item Type:	Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:	BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:	77 psychology
Programme:	Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:	https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/92148
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