Attention Bias Modification Theory

Retaining the status as the most prevalent mental disorder for the past few decades, anxiety can impact individuals in myriad ways (Kessler, Chiu, Demler, & Walters, 2005). Particularly, the cognitive ramifications of anxiety are of significance as they can lead to the development of an attention bias towards threat. (Cisler & Koster, 2010). As indicated by previous research, threat bias manifests in multiple forms (e.g. oversensitivity to perceived threat, near inability to disengage from threat) (Cisler & Koster, 2010). Notwithstanding the various manifestations of threat bias, the overall heightened sensitivity to threat arouses the autonomic nervous system (ANS), specifically the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which controls the “fight-or-flight” response, as discovered by Cannon (1932). However, when attention bias toward threat is chronic, the SNS will be excessively activated, leading to health problems (e.g. weakened immune system, cardiovascular complications) (Dienstbier, 1989). Attention Bias Modification (ABM) is an innovative and novel approach in shifting individuals’ subconscious attention bias from threatening towards neutral stimuli (Bar-Haim,
One possible course of action is to include a self-affirmation task. Self-affirmation essentially promotes individuals’ perceived sense of self-worth and self-efficacy (Schmeichel & Vohs, 2009; Napper, Harris, & Epton, 2009). The positive benefits of self-affirmation has been demonstrated in education and health, such that it encouraged students to be focused as well as motivated and promoted adherence to health safety, respectively (Sherman et. al, 2013; Napper, Harris, & Epton, 2009). Thus, it is pertinent to understand whether the positive benefits of self-affirmation are maintained when associated with ABM