title: Can a computerised training paradigm assist people with intellectual disabilities to learn cognitive mediation skills? A randomised experiment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to examine whether specific skills required for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could be taught using a computerised training paradigm with people who have intellectual disabilities (IDs). Training aimed to improve: a) ability to link pairs of situations and mediating beliefs to emotions, and b) ability to link pairs of situations and emotions to mediating beliefs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a single-blind mixed experimental design, sixty-five participants with IDs were randomised to receive either computerised training or an attention-control condition. Cognitive mediation skills were assessed before and after training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants who received training were significantly better at selecting appropriate emotions within situation-beliefs pairs, controlling for baseline scores and IQ. Despite significant improvements in the ability of those who received training to correctly select intermediating beliefs for situation-feelings pairings, no between-group differences were observed at post-test.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings indicated that computerised training led to a significant improvement in some aspects of cognitive mediation for people with IDs, but whether this has a positive effect upon outcome from therapy is yet to be established.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Sciences, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, UK.
authors.forename: Leen
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vereenooghe
authors.affiliation: Charlie Waller Institute, University of Reading, UK.
authors.forename: Shirley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reynolds
authors.affiliation: Northumbria University, UK.
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gega
authors.affiliation: Tizard Centre, University of Kent, UK; Broadland Clinic, Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Norfolk, UK.
authors.forename: Peter E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Langdon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D003071:Cognition; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004495:Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000379:methods*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cognitive behavioural therapy; Cognitive mediation; Learning disabilities; Neurodevelopmental disorders; Skills; Training