The approach-avoidance task as an online intervention in cigarette smoking: a pilot study
Charlotte E Wittekind1, Ansgar Feist1, Brooke C Schneider1
1University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|October 13, 2014
Summary
The standard Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT) effectively reduced smoking, dependence, and cravings in an online intervention. This cognitive retraining shows promise for tobacco cessation.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Addiction Science
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Addictive behaviors are linked to strong automatic processes.
- Implicit measures can assess these automatic processes.
- Cognitive bias modification aims to retrain automatic tendencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT) for retraining automatic behavioral tendencies in smokers.
- To assess the efficacy of an online AAT intervention for smoking cessation.
Main Methods:
- 257 smokers participated in an online intervention.
- Random allocation to either a standard AAT, AAT with feedback, or waitlist control.
- Participants used mouse actions (push/pull) to interact with smoking-related and neutral images.
- Intervention lasted four weeks with online re-assessment.
Main Results:
- The standard AAT significantly reduced cigarette consumption, dependence, and compulsive urges.
- No significant effects were observed in the control group.
- The AAT with feedback did not yield significant results compared to the standard AAT.
Conclusions:
- The standard Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT) shows potential as an online intervention for reducing tobacco dependence.
- Limitations include the absence of an active control group.
- Future research should explore combining AAT with existing behavior therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Frustration and Conflict: Approach-Approach, Approach-Avoidance
757
Frustration occurs when people are obstructed or prevented from achieving a desired goal or fulfilling a perceived need. For example, when someone's input is ignored in a discussion, it can lead to feelings of frustration. Conflict, however, arises from opposing interests, goals, or actions. Conflicts can take various forms based on the nature of these opposing desires or goals.
One common type of conflict is the Approach–Approach Conflict. In this case, a person faces two desirable...
One common type of conflict is the Approach–Approach Conflict. In this case, a person faces two desirable...
757
01:14Frustration and Conflict: Avoidance-Avoidance, Double-Approach Avoidance
893
Avoidance-avoidance conflict refers to a psychological situation where a person must choose between two or more unpleasant alternatives. These conflicts are particularly stressful because neither option is desirable. This dilemma is often expressed in sayings like "caught between a rock and a hard place" or "between the devil and the deep blue sea." For instance, individuals who fear dental procedures may find themselves torn between enduring a painful toothache or facing the...
893
01:27Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
773
Coping strategies are methods people use to manage, tolerate, or reduce the effects of stressors. These strategies involve both behavioral and psychological actions to handle stressful situations. One common approach is problem-focused coping, which aims to change or eliminate the source of stress rather than merely addressing its consequences. This method involves taking direct action to resolve the issue causing stress.
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
773
01:14Avoidance Learning and Learned Helplessness
4.1K
Avoidance learning and learned helplessness are critical concepts in understanding behavioral responses to negative stimuli.
Avoidance learning occurs when an organism learns that a specific behavior can prevent an unpleasant outcome. For example, a student who receives a bad grade may start studying harder to avoid future poor grades. This behavior persists even when the negative outcome is no longer present. Avoidance learning is powerful because it maintains behavior in the absence of the...
Avoidance learning occurs when an organism learns that a specific behavior can prevent an unpleasant outcome. For example, a student who receives a bad grade may start studying harder to avoid future poor grades. This behavior persists even when the negative outcome is no longer present. Avoidance learning is powerful because it maintains behavior in the absence of the...
4.1K
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
363
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
363