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Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Methods to Test Visual Attention Online
Published on: February 19, 2015
Positive online attentional training as a means of modifying attentional and interpretational biases among the
Izabela Krejtz1, Paweł Holas2, Marzena Rusanowska3
1Interdisciplinary Center for Applied Cognitive Studies, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Objective:
The present study examined the effectiveness of online positive attention bias modification training (ABMT) in inducing positive attention and positive interpretational biases in depressed individuals.
Method:
Clinically depressed individuals (n = 60) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions of 14-day online ABMT. In the positive ABMT condition, a probe replaced positive stimuli in 100% of trials. In the control condition, the probe replaced positive stimuli in 50% of trials. Before and after training, we recorded eye movements during the completion of a Scrambled Sentence Task in which participants created positive or negative sentences. Participants also completed measures of symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Results:
After training, participants in the positive ABMT condition fixated longer on positive keywords than participants in the control group and experienced a significant reduction in anxiety.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that positive AMBT can promote positive attention bias among clinically depressed individuals.
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