Theta Rhythm-Based Attention Switch Training Effectively Modified Negative Attentional Bias

Attentional bias modification training (ABMT) is commonly employed to regulate negative attentional bias (NAB) and, in turn, to prevent or alleviate depressive symptoms. Recent advancements in attention switch theory have facilitated the development of a novel training paradigm that may enhance the efficacy of such interventions.

A total of fifty-seven college students were assigned to two groups: one exhibiting NAB and the other without. Both groups underwent training with a novel paradigm integrating theta rhythm with the traditional dot-probe task (DPT). The DPT was also administered as a pre- and post-test measure.

For individuals with NAB, rhythmic DPT effectively alleviates their NAB. Additionally, within the training procedure's DPT, flashing negative stimuli elicits faster responses when the probe appears at the positive stimulus' location. Baseline attention scores can negatively predict changes in subsequent corresponding attentional performance.

This study presents a novel training paradigm-the theta rhythm-based DPT-that effectively modifies NAB. The mechanism underlying this intervention may be driven by positive salient stimuli at the critical trough, facilitating the switch of attention from negative to positive stimuli.