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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults
Published on: October 19, 2014
Attention bias for appearance words can be reduced in women: Results from a single-session attention bias
Lydia Allen1, Kate E Mulgrew1, Karina Rune1
1School of Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia.
Background And Objectives:
We tested whether a single-session of attention bias modification (ABM) could change bias towards appearance-related words and improve body satisfaction.
Methods:
Females (N = 102; Mage = 33 years) completed an ABM session where attention was trained towards positive appearance-related information (n = 31), away from negative appearance-related information (n = 37), or a non-training session (n = 34). Importance of appearance and shape concern were examined as moderators.
Results:
ABM was effective in women high on appearance importance, trained to direct attention away from negative appearance words.
Limitations:
No long-term follow up of attention biases or body image challenge were conducted.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that certain types of attention biases are amenable to change within a single session.
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