Using Interpretation Bias Modification to Reduce Anger in Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Difficulty controlling anger is a primary reintegration challenge for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Hostile interpretation bias (HIB), the tendency to perceive ambiguous social cues as hostile, is linked to problematic anger.
• Previous research indicates computer-based interpretation bias modification (IBM) can reduce HIB and anger, but it hasn't been evaluated in veterans with PTSD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a modified IBM intervention for problematic anger in veterans diagnosed with PTSD.
• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of this IBM intervention.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving seven veterans with PTSD and high anger levels.
• Participants underwent eight sessions of a computer-based IBM intervention over four weeks.
• Data collected included pre- and post-treatment self-report questionnaires and a post-treatment acceptability interview.

Main Results:

• Veterans showed significant reductions in hostile interpretation bias (HIB) and self-reported anger from pre- to post-treatment (large effect sizes observed).
• Recruitment, retention, and treatment completion rates were high, indicating feasibility.
• The majority of participants found the IBM intervention acceptable, helpful, and easy to use.

Conclusions:

• The IBM intervention for anger is a feasible and acceptable treatment for veterans with PTSD.
• The intervention demonstrated preliminary efficacy in reducing hostile interpretations and anger.
• Further research is warranted to investigate the broader effectiveness of this approach in a larger veteran population.