title: Refilling the half-empty glass--Investigating the potential role of the Interpretation Modification Paradigm for Depression (IMP-D).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cognitive biases are known to cause and maintain depression. However, little research has been done on techniques targeting interpretation tendencies found in depression, despite the promising findings of anxiety studies. This paper presents two experiments, investigating the suitability of an Interpretation Modification Paradigm for Depression (IMP-D) in healthy individuals, which has already proven its effectiveness in anxiety (Beard & Amir, 2008). Different from other paradigms, the IMP-D aims at modifying an interpretation bias on response- and on a more implicit reaction time-level, making this task less susceptible to demand effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Word-Sentence Association Paradigm for Depression (Hindash & Amir, 2011) was modified and administered in healthy volunteers (experiment I: N = 81; experiment II: N = 105). To enhance a positive interpretation bias, endorsing benign and rejecting negative interpretations of ambiguous scenarios was reinforced through feedback. This intervention was compared to the opposite training (both experiments) and a control training (experiment II only).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both experiments revealed a significant increase in bias towards benign interpretations on the level of overt decisions, while only in the first experiment a change was found on a reaction time level. These modifications are not reflected in group-differences in emotional vulnerability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Possible limitations regarding the reliability of inter-dependent response and reaction time measures are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The IMP-D is able to modify interpretation biases, but adaptations are required to maximize its beneficial effects.
authors.affiliation: Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: m.mobius@psych.ru.nl.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Möbius
authors.affiliation: Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; University Hospital Essen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Essen, Germany.
authors.forename: Indira
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tendolkar
authors.affiliation: Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lohner
authors.affiliation: Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mirte
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baltussen
authors.affiliation: Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Eni S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Becker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001245:Association Learning; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D030141:Feedback, Psychological; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D012649:Self Concept; D057566:Self Report; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cognitive bias modification; Depression; Emotional vulnerability; Interpretation bias