Computerized inhibitory control training reduces anxiety in preadolescent students.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Anxiety and inhibitory control (IC) are crucial for social-emotional development in preadolescents.
• Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) can provide neurophysiological insights into emotional regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of computerized IC training on anxiety and EEG measures in 8-12-year-olds.
• To explore the relationship between IC, anxiety, and frontal alpha asymmetry.

Main Methods:

• Participants (N=42) were randomized to 4 weeks of emotional IC training, neutral IC training, or a waitlist control.
• Cognitive, emotional, and resting-state EEG measures were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
• Multivariate analyses of covariance compared outcomes between groups.

Main Results:

• Baseline IC accuracy was negatively correlated with anxiety and depression.
• Both emotional and neutral IC training groups showed improved IC accuracy and reduced anxiety compared to the waitlist.
• Emotional IC training led to a leftward shift in lateral frontal asymmetry.

Conclusions:

• Computerized IC training is a viable intervention for mitigating anxiety in preadolescents.
• Emotional IC training may influence neurophysiological markers associated with emotional regulation.
• Further research is needed to confirm long-term effects and optimal training parameters.