Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
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Reducing State Anxiety Using Working Memory Maintenance
Published on: July 19, 2017
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Combining Unguided Web-Based Attentional Bias Modification and Affective Working Memory Training to Decrease Anxiety:
M D Nuijs1,2, H Larsen1, A M Klein1,3
1Developmental Psychology, Adapt Lab, Research Priority Area Yield, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Cognitive Therapy and Research
|July 28, 2025
Summary
This study found that combining web-based Attentional Bias Modification (ABM) with Working Memory Training (WMT) did not reduce trait anxiety more than control conditions. While ABM reduced attentional bias, the combined approach lacked significant anxiety-reducing effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Cognitive vulnerability to anxiety involves attentional biases and control processes.
- Simultaneously targeting these mechanisms may be optimal for anxiety reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of combined web-based Attentional Bias Modification (ABM) and affective Working Memory Training (WMT) in reducing trait anxiety.
- To examine if state anxiety moderates the effects of ABM.
Main Methods:
- A pre-registered randomized controlled trial with 433 adults with heightened trait anxiety.
- A 2x2 factorial design combining active/control ABM with active/control WMT.
- Trait anxiety, Attentional Bias (AB), and Working Memory (WM) capacity were assessed at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- Participants showed a general decrease in trait anxiety over time, irrespective of training.
- ABM training led to greater reductions in AB, but WMT did not improve WM capacity compared to controls.
- No moderating effects of state anxiety, baseline AB, or WM capacity were found.
Conclusions:
- The combined web-based ABM and WMT, without therapist support, was not effective in reducing trait anxiety beyond control conditions.
- Further research may be needed to optimize digital interventions for anxiety.
- The study was registered in the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR-NL4525).
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