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Bogaert L, Hallford D, Loyen E, D'Argembeau A, Raes F. Recalling and anticipating positive events to improve the positive affect and mental health of adolescents: A cluster randomized controlled trial in secondary schools. Behav Res Ther 2024; 179:104543. [PMID: 38744140 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
This cluster randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of Positive Events Training (PET), a combined group training aimed at simultaneously improving positive autobiographical memory (AM) and episodic future thinking (EFT) among adolescents (12-16 years). Delivered as a universal school-based program, PET was compared with an active (creative writing) control group (CREAT). Effects on resilience, wellbeing, positive emotions, emotional response styles towards positive emotions (savoring, dampening), anhedonia, depressive symptoms, and multiple AM and EFT indices were examined. Adolescents (NPET = 95, NCREAT = 93) completed self-report scales at baseline, post-training and two-month follow-up. Multilevel models revealed that PET led to significant improvements in certain AM and EFT skills. Moreover, a decrease in anhedonia was observed at post-training. However, this effect did not withstand correction for multiple testing. Absence of changes in the other outcomes should be interpreted within the context of the universal school-based approach and the potential limited scope for detectable changes. Exploratory analyses suggest the importance of further investigating PET's potential in addressing positive affect dysregulations in indicated samples, and exploring perceived likelihood of generated future events and dampening as potential underlying mechanisms. Study limitations and future directions to maximize the demonstrated potential of PET are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bogaert
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium.
| | - D Hallford
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Road, Geelong, Australia
| | - E Loyen
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - A D'Argembeau
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - F Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium
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2
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Nam RJ, Lowry NJ, Lawrence OC, Novotny LJ, Cha CB. Episodic future thinking and psychopathology: A focus on depression and suicide risk. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 59:101853. [PMID: 39128387 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Episodic future thinking (EFT), the ability to imagine future autobiographical events, is both an everyday and clinically significant cognitive process. With a focus on depression and suicidality, here we discuss evidence connecting EFT with psychopathology. Emotional valence of imagined future events has emerged as the most widely established feature of EFT detected to date, with less positive EFT being associated with depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This pattern may not be merely a byproduct of sadness or anhedonia. Promising directions for future research include clarifying the temporal association between EFT and clinical outcomes, investigating the potential benefits and drawbacks of positive EFT, and refining assessments for youth to measure EFT either preceding or soon after onset of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Nam
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Nathan J Lowry
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Olivia C Lawrence
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Layne J Novotny
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Christine B Cha
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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3
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Heise M, Bruijniks SJE, Renner F. Web-Based Imagery Behavioral Activation (WIMBA): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Effects, Acceptability, and Feasibility of a Mental Imagery Activity Scheduling Training Delivered Online. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2024; 6:e12133. [PMID: 39119051 PMCID: PMC11303920 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.12133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Behavioral activation (BA) is an effective and efficacious treatment for depression. Activity scheduling is the central treatment component of BA and involves planning of potentially enjoyable and rewarding activities. Evidence from non-clinical studies suggests that mental imagery simulations of planned activities can increase motivation and anticipated pleasure for these activities. Method We describe a randomized controlled trial testing a mental imagery activity scheduling training delivered online in four weekly sessions (total training duration approximately 90 minutes) in a sample meeting diagnostic criteria of a major depressive episode, as indicated by the Diagnostic Short-Interview for Mental Disorders (Mini-DIPS), and not currently receiving treatment. Participants (N = 140) will be randomized to either mental imagery activity scheduling or a wait-list control condition. Depressive symptoms (BDI-II) and behavioral activation (BADS) are the primary outcomes; BDI-II will be measured at Session 1, Session 4, and at two-week follow-up, BADS at Sessions 1-4 and at two-week follow-up. Discussion It is discussed how the expected results may reflect mechanisms and effects of a mental imagery activity scheduling training delivered online in a sample of individuals with depression. Concluding we outline next steps for future research and highlight the potential of this novel treatment for dissemination in the wider community and integration into routine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Heise
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Unit, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sanne J. E. Bruijniks
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Unit, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fritz Renner
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Unit, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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4
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Anderson RJ, Clayton McClure JH, Bishop E, Howe D, Riggs KJ, Dewhurst SA. The implicit power of positive thinking: The effect of positive episodic simulation on implicit future expectancies. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298817. [PMID: 38687760 PMCID: PMC11060537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research demonstrating that positive episodic simulation enhances future expectancies has relied on explicit expectancy measures. The current study investigated the effects of episodic simulation on implicit expectancies. Using the Future Thinking Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (FT-IRAP), participants made true/false decisions to indicate whether or not they expected positive/negative outcomes after adopting orientations consistent or inconsistent with an optimistic disposition. The outcome measure, DIRAP, was based on response time differences between consistent and inconsistent blocks. Participants then engaged in either positive simulation training, in which they imagined positive future events, or a neutral visualisation task before repeating the FT-IRAP twice following 10-minute intervals. Positive simulation training increased DIRAP scores for don't-expect-negative trials-boosting participants' readiness to affirm that negative events were unlikely to happen to them. Although findings did not generalise across all trial types, they show potential for positive simulation training to enhance implicit future expectancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J. Anderson
- School of Psychology and Social Work, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | | | - Emma Bishop
- School of Psychology and Social Work, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - David Howe
- School of Psychology and Social Work, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J. Riggs
- School of Psychology and Social Work, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A. Dewhurst
- School of Psychology and Social Work, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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5
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Moscovitch DA, Moscovitch M, Sheldon S. Neurocognitive Model of Schema-Congruent and -Incongruent Learning in Clinical Disorders: Application to Social Anxiety and Beyond. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2023; 18:1412-1435. [PMID: 36795637 PMCID: PMC10623626 DOI: 10.1177/17456916221141351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Negative schemas lie at the core of many common and debilitating mental disorders. Thus, intervention scientists and clinicians have long recognized the importance of designing effective interventions that target schema change. Here, we suggest that the optimal development and administration of such interventions can benefit from a framework outlining how schema change occurs in the brain. Guided by basic neuroscientific findings, we provide a memory-based neurocognitive framework for conceptualizing how schemas emerge and change over time and how they can be modified during psychological treatment of clinical disorders. We highlight the critical roles of the hippocampus, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and posterior neocortex in directing schema-congruent and -incongruent learning (SCIL) in the interactive neural network that comprises the autobiographical memory system. We then use this framework, which we call the SCIL model, to derive new insights about the optimal design features of clinical interventions that aim to strengthen or weaken schema-based knowledge through the core processes of episodic mental simulation and prediction error. Finally, we examine clinical applications of the SCIL model to schema-change interventions in psychotherapy and provide cognitive-behavior therapy for social anxiety disorder as an illustrative example.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Moscovitch
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Mental Health Research & Treatment, University of Waterloo
| | - Morris Moscovitch
- Rotman Research Institute and Department of Psychology, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto
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6
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Tang P, Sonuga‐Barke E, Kostyrka‐Allchorne K, Phillips‐Owen J. Young people's future thinking and mental health: The development and validation of the Adolescent Future Thinking Rating Scale. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2023; 33:e1994. [PMID: 37789585 PMCID: PMC10804263 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to develop and validate a new scale of future thinking and adolescent mental health-the Adolescent Future Thinking Rating Scale (AFTRS). METHODS A provisional AFTRS was developed from interviews with 19 adolescents. It was completed by three samples: exploratory (n = 161) aged 16-21 years, who also completed established measures of future thinking, cognitive risk factors, depression and anxiety; replication (n = 209) aged 16-25 years; and test-retest (n = 102) aged 17-23 years. The reliability, convergent, predictive, and discriminant validity were examined. RESULTS Exploratory factor analyses identified the AFTRS-18 and AFTRS-12. Both had three sub-scales: (i) Concerns about Maladaptive Future Thinking, (ii) Future Positivity, and (iii) Ability to Visualise the Future. Established future thinking measures were combined into two factors: Negative Future Emotions (Cognitive Triad Inventory-View of Future and Beck's Hopelessness Scale) and Immediacy Preference (Consideration of Future Consequences and Quick Delay Questionnaire). The AFTRS-18 and AFTRS-12 were similarly associated with both factors and with depression/anxiety. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were high. CONCLUSIONS The AFTRS-12 and AFTRS-18 are reliable and valid measures of the three key dimensions of adolescent future thinking and mental health. The first subscale remained significant in predicting depression and anxiety after controlling for general cognitive risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyao Tang
- School of Academic PsychiatryInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Edmund Sonuga‐Barke
- School of Academic PsychiatryInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Child & Adolescent PsychiatryAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | | | - Jacqueline Phillips‐Owen
- School of Academic PsychiatryInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
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7
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Eberle JW, Boukhechba M, Sun J, Zhang D, Funk DH, Barnes LE, Teachman BA. Shifting Episodic Prediction With Online Cognitive Bias Modification: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Psychol Sci 2023; 11:819-840. [PMID: 37736284 PMCID: PMC10513109 DOI: 10.1177/21677026221103128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Negative future thinking pervades emotional disorders. This hybrid efficacy-effectiveness trial tested a four-session, scalable online cognitive bias modification program for training more positive episodic prediction. 958 adults (73.3% female, 86.5% White, 83.4% from United States) were randomized to positive conditions with ambiguous future scenarios that ended positively, 50/50 conditions that ended positively or negatively, or a control condition with neutral scenarios. As hypothesized (preregistration: https://osf.io/jrst6), positive training participants improved more than control participants in negative expectancy bias (d = -0.58), positive expectancy bias (d = 0.80), and self-efficacy (d = 0.29). Positive training was also superior to 50/50 training for expectancy bias and optimism (d = 0.31). Training gains attenuated yet remained by 1-month follow-up. Unexpectedly, participants across conditions improved comparably in anxiety and depression symptoms and growth mindset. Targeting a transdiagnostic process with a scalable program may improve bias and outlook; however, further validation of outcome measures is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehdi Boukhechba
- Department of Engineering Systems and Environment,
University of Virginia
| | - Jianhui Sun
- Department of Computer Science, University of
Virginia
| | - Diheng Zhang
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia
| | | | - Laura E. Barnes
- Department of Engineering Systems and Environment,
University of Virginia
- School of Data Science, University of Virginia
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8
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Montijn ND, Gerritsen L, van Son D, Engelhard IM. Positive future thinking without task-relevance increases anxiety and frontal stress regulation. Biol Psychol 2023; 182:108620. [PMID: 37399916 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Negative anticipatory biases can affect the way we interpret and subjectively experience events. Through its role in emotion regulation, positive future thinking may provide an accessible way to attenuate these biases. However, it is unclear whether positive future thinking works ubiquitously, independent of contextual relevance. Here, we used a positive future thinking intervention (task-relevant; task-irrelevant and control condition) prior to a social stress task to adapt the way this task was experienced. We assessed subjective and objective stress measures and also recorded resting state electroencephalography (EEG) to assess intervention related differences in the level of frontal delta-beta coupling, which is considered a neurobiological substrate of stress regulation. Results show that the intervention reduced subjective stress and anxiety, and increased social fixation behavior and task performance, but only if future thinking was task-relevant. Paradoxically, task-irrelevant positive future thoughts enhanced negative perceptual biases and stress reactivity. This increase in stress reactivity was corroborated by elevated levels of frontal delta-beta coupling during event anticipation, which suggests an increased demand for stress regulation. Together, these findings show that positive future thinking can mitigate the negative emotional, behavioral and neurobiological consequences of a stressful event, but that it should not be applied indiscriminately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole D Montijn
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte Gerritsen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dana van Son
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Iris M Engelhard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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9
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Marciniak MA, Shanahan L, Binder H, Kalisch R, Kleim B. Positive Prospective Mental Imagery Characteristics in Young Adults and Their Associations with Depressive Symptoms. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2023; 47:1-12. [PMID: 37363749 PMCID: PMC10140715 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-023-10378-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Positive prospective mental imagery plays an important role in mental well-being, and depressive symptoms have been associated with difficulties in generating positive prospective mental images (PPMIs). We used a mobile app to gather PPMIs generated by young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and analyzed content, characteristics, and associations with depressive symptoms. Methods This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial with 95 healthy young adults allocated into two groups (intervention and control). Participants used the mobile app decreasing mental health symptoms for seven consecutive days. Fifty participants in the intervention group reported PPMIs at least three times per day using a mobile app inducing PPMI generation. We categorized entries into themes and applied moderation models to investigate associations between PPMI characteristics and depressive symptoms. Results We distinguished 25 PPMI themes. The most frequent were related to consuming food and drinks, watching TV/streaming platforms, and doing sports. Vividness and ease of generation of PPMIs, but not their anticipation, pleasure intensity or number of engagements with the app were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Conclusions We identified PPMI themes in young adults and found significant negative associations between depressive symptoms and vividness and generation ease of PPMIs. These results may inform prevention and intervention science, including the design of personalized interventions. We discuss implications for future studies and treatment development for individuals experiencing diminished PPMI. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10608-023-10378-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Anna Marciniak
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, Zurich, 8032 Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital (PUK), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lilly Shanahan
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, Zurich, 8032 Switzerland
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Harald Binder
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Data Analysis and Modelling, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Raffael Kalisch
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
- Neuroimaging Center (NIC), Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, Zurich, 8032 Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital (PUK), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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10
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Hallford DJ, Cheung S, Baothman G, Weel J. Selective effects of focusing on spatial details in episodic future thinking for self-relevant positive events. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:613-623. [PMID: 35262782 PMCID: PMC9928910 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01668-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mental simulations of positive future events increase their detail/vividness and plausibility, with effects on cognitive-affective processes such as anticipated and anticipatory pleasure. More recently, spatial details have been distinguished as important in increasing detail and elaborating mental scene construction. Building on this research, this study (N = 54; M age = 26.9) compared simulations of positive, self-relevant future events spatial details (i.e. people, objects, sequences of actions) with simulations focused on content details. Cross-sectionally at baseline, spatial details uniquely predicted phenomenological characteristics of future events, including anticipatory pleasure. The guided simulations increased detail and vividness, mental imagery, and pre-experiencing in both conditions. The content simulation condition did not increase content details relative to the spatial simulation condition, however, the inverse was true. Relatedly, overall detail and vividness were higher in the spatial condition, as was perceived control. The findings are discussed in relation to future thinking and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Hallford
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - S Cheung
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - G Baothman
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - J Weel
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
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11
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Hutchinson T, Riddleston L, Pile V, Meehan A, Shukla M, Lau J. Is Future Mental Imagery Associated with Reduced Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Negative Affect and Anhedonic Symptoms in Young People? COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2023; 47:168-180. [PMID: 36779180 PMCID: PMC9899113 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-023-10352-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Difficulties with prospective mental images are associated with adolescent depression. Current treatments mainly focus on verbal techniques to reduce negative affect (e.g. low mood) rather than enhancing positive affect, despite anhedonia being present in adolescents. We investigated the concurrent relationships between the vividness of negative and positive prospective mental imagery and negative affect and positive affect; and examined whether negative and positive prospective mental imagery moderated the impact of recent stress (COVID-19-linked stress) on negative and positive affect. Methods 2602 young people (12-25 years) completed the Prospective Imagery Task and self-reported on symptoms of negative affect, anhedonia and COVID-19 linked stress. Results Elevated vividness of negative future mental imagery and reduced vividness of positive future mental imagery were associated with increased negative affect, whereas only reduced vividness of positive future imagery was associated with increased symptoms of anhedonia. Elevated vividness of negative future images amplified the association between COVID-19 linked stress and negative affect, while elevated vividness of positive future images attenuated the association between COVID-19 linked stress and anhedonia. Conclusions Future mental imagery may be differentially associated with negative and positive affect, but this needs to be replicated in clinical populations to support novel adolescent psychological treatments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10608-023-10352-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn Hutchinson
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Riddleston
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Pile
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Alan Meehan
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Meenakshi Shukla
- Department of Psychology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Jennifer Lau
- Youth Resilience Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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12
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Zhang Y, Boemo T, Qiao Z, Tan Y, Li X. Distinct Effects of Anxiety and Depression on Updating Emotional Information in Working Memory. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:544. [PMID: 36612866 PMCID: PMC9819093 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression have been shown to negatively influence the processing of emotional information in working memory. However, most studies have examined anxiety-related or depression-related working memory deficits independently, without considering their high co-morbidity. We tested the effects of emotional valence on working memory performance among healthy young adults with varying levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Ninety young adults aged between 18-24 (51 female) completed an emotional 2-back task in which positive, negative, and neutral images were presented. Multi-level modeling was used to examine anxiety and depressive symptoms as predictors of response accuracy and latency across the three emotional valence conditions. The results showed that participants responded to negative images with the highest accuracy and to positive images with the lowest accuracy. Both negative and positive images elicited slower responses than neutral images. Importantly, we found that more severe anxiety symptoms predicted a smaller difference in response accuracy between negative and neutral stimuli, whereas more severe depressive symptoms predicted a larger updating reaction time difference between positive and neutral stimuli. These findings demonstrated the uniquely anxiety-related deficits in processing negative contents and the uniquely depression-related deficits in updating positive contents in working memory, thus highlighting the necessity of novel cognitive bias modification interventions targeting the anxiety-specific and depression-specific deficits in working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Teresa Boemo
- Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Zhiling Qiao
- Department of Neuroscience, Research Group Psychiatry, Center for Clinical Psychiatry, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yafei Tan
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Xu Li
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430079, China
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13
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Future-oriented imagery rescripting facilitates conducting behavioral experiments in social anxiety. Behav Res Ther 2022; 155:104130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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14
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Effects of Episodic Future Thinking on Delay and Effort Discounting. PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORD 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40732-022-00516-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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Noël X, Saeremans M, Kornreich C, Chatard A, Jaafari N, D'Argembeau A. Reduced calibration between subjective and objective measures of episodic future thinking in alcohol use disorder. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:300-311. [PMID: 35181906 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A reduced capacity to mentally simulate future scenarios could be of clinical importance in alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying episodic future thinking (EFT) impairment in AUD. METHODS We tested patients with severe AUD using two measures of EFT: the individual's own subjective experience of their imaginings (phenomenology) and the objective number of details included in imagined events, as assessed by an independent observer (examination). The comparison between the two measures allowed us to investigate the extent to which the subjective and objective characteristics of EFT are calibrated in healthy and AUD participants matched for age, education, and gender. The possible impact of cognitive functioning and disturbed mood on EFT measures was also investigated. RESULTS In terms of objective details of EFT, patients with AUD (n = 40) generated fewer episodic components and more non-episodic components than control participants (n = 40), even when controlling for cognitive functioning. However, self-ratings of phenomenological characteristics indicated that participants with AUD perceived imagined future events at a similar level of detail as control participants. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between objective and subjective measures in healthy individuals but not in the AUD group. A higher depression score in the AUD group was not associated with the EFT measures. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a distorted self-assessment of the richness of imagined future events in individuals with AUD. We discuss these apparent limitations in metacognitive abilities and verbal descriptions of imagined events among individuals with AUD and their clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Noël
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et d'Addictologie, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mélanie Saeremans
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et d'Addictologie (ULB), Brugmann University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charles Kornreich
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et d'Addictologie, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et d'Addictologie (ULB), Brugmann University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Armand Chatard
- UMR-7295 CNRS, Faculté de Psychologie, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Nemet Jaafari
- Unité de Recherche Clinique Pierre Deniker du Centre Hospitalier Henri Laborit, INSERM CIC-P 1402, Poitiers, France.,INSERM U 1084 Laboratoire Expérimental et Clinique en Neurosciences, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Arnaud D'Argembeau
- Unité de Recherche en Psychologie et Neuroscience Cognitives, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
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16
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Landkroon E, van Dis EAM, Meyerbröker K, Salemink E, Hagenaars MA, Engelhard IM. Future-Oriented Positive Mental Imagery Reduces Anxiety for Exposure to Public Speaking. Behav Ther 2022; 53:80-91. [PMID: 35027160 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Exposure therapy is the recommended treatment for anxiety disorders, but many anxious individuals are unwilling to expose themselves to feared situations. Episodic simulation of future situations contributes to adaptive emotion regulation and motivates behavior. This study investigated whether future-oriented positive mental imagery reduces anticipatory anxiety and distress during exposure, and increases exposure willingness and duration. Forty-three individuals with moderate public speaking anxiety were randomized to a standardized positive mental imagery exercise about future public speaking or no-task. All participants were then asked to present in a virtual reality environment. Anticipatory anxiety reduced in the positive mental imagery group, but not in the control group. Additionally, the positive mental imagery group reported lower distress during exposure than the control group, but groups did not differ in exposure willingness. Due to limited variance, effects on exposure duration could not be tested. Future-oriented positive mental imagery is promising to prepare individuals for exposure to previously avoided situations.
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17
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Namaky N, Glenn JJ, Eberle JW, Teachman BA. Adapting cognitive bias modification to train healthy prospection. Behav Res Ther 2021; 144:103923. [PMID: 34280584 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.103923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Prospection, the mental simulation of future events, has been theoretically linked to physical and mental health. Prior studies have found that prospection is malleable; however, no research to our knowledge has tested whether a scalable intervention explicitly targeting the simulation of positive future outcomes can lead to more generalized positive prospection, and enhance positive outlook and reduce distress. The current study tested a novel, web-based cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I) program designed to shift prospective bias towards more positive (as opposed to negative) representations of future outcomes among 172 participants selected for having a relatively negative baseline expectancy bias. Results showed that following CBM-I, participants in active training conditions exhibited more positive expectations about the future, and increased self-efficacy and growth mindset. Also, optimism increased and depression and anxiety symptoms decreased following active training, but this also occurred for the control condition. Analyses did not suggest that changes in positive expectations mediated changes in positive outlook outcomes. Results suggest that an online prospection intervention can lead to more positive expectations about future events and improve positive outlook, though open questions remain about what accounts for the training effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey J Glenn
- University of Virginia, United States; Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, United States; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (VISN 6 MIRECC), United States
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18
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Colin C, Martin A, Bonneviot F, Brangier E. Unravelling future thinking: a valuable concept for prospective ergonomics. THEORETICAL ISSUES IN ERGONOMICS SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1463922x.2021.1943045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clement Colin
- Université de Lorraine, PERSEUS EA7312, Metz, France
- Total S.E., Corporate R&D, F-92078 Paris, France
| | | | - Flavie Bonneviot
- Université de Lorraine, PERSEUS EA7312, Metz, France
- Vedecom Institute, Versailles, France
| | - Eric Brangier
- Université de Lorraine, PERSEUS EA7312, Metz, France
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19
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Prospective mental imagery in depression: Impact on reward processing and reward-motivated behaviour. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2021; 3:e3013. [PMID: 36397959 PMCID: PMC9667131 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.3013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mental imagery has long been part of cognitive behavioural therapies. More recently, a resurgence of interest has emerged for prospective mental imagery, i.e. future-directed imagery-based thought, and its relation to reward processing, motivation and behaviour in the context of depression. Method We conducted a selective review on the role of prospective mental imagery and its impact on reward processing and reward-motivated behaviour in depression. Results Based on the current literature, we propose a conceptual mechanistic model of prospective mental imagery. Prospective mental imagery of engaging in positive activities can increase reward anticipation and reward motivation, which can transfer to increased engagement in reward-motivated behaviour and more experiences of reward, thereby decreasing depressive symptoms. We suggest directions for future research using multimodal assessments to measure the impact of prospective mental imagery from its basic functioning in the lab to real-world and clinical implementation. Conclusion Prospective mental imagery has the potential to improve treatment for depression where the aim is to increase reward-motivated behaviours. Future research should investigate how exactly and for whom prospective mental imagery works. This review provides a selected update of the literature on prospective mental imagery. Prospective mental imagery might decrease depression via reward processing and reward-motivated behaviours. Suggestions for future research to investigate these hypotheses are provided.
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20
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Berman NC, Hezel DM, Wilhelm S. Is my patient too sad to approach their fear? Depression severity and imaginal exposure outcomes for patients with OCD. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2021; 70:101615. [PMID: 32937237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2020.101615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There is conflicting research on how comorbid depression impacts the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) with exposure with response prevention. To better understand this relationship, the current study tests theoretical claims that greater depression limits motivation to engage in exposures, restricts habituation, and interferes with adaptive learning. METHODS Fifty-one individuals with OCD completed a diagnostic interview and self-report questionnaires assessing depression symptom severity and then participated in a standardized imaginal exposure protocol, in which they repeatedly approached an idiosyncratic fear deemed "moderately anxiety-provoking." RESULTS Contrary to expectations, linear regression models indicated that depression symptom severity was not independently associated with motivation, subjective or objective within-session habituation or adaptive learning outcomes. However, the perceived likelihood of the best-case scenario occurring as a result of the exposure moderated the relationship between depression severity and motivation to engage in the exposure exercise. LIMITATIONS Use of a one-session exposure protocol precludes conclusions regarding how depression is associated with outcomes in a full ERP treatment. CONCLUSIONS Depression symptom severity was not independently associated with motivation, habituation, or adaptive learning. The observed non-significant effects suggest that degree of depression, on its own, is not a meaningful indicator of how patients with OCD will fare an exposure intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Chase Berman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, OCD and Related Disorders, 185 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Psychology Department, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Beaven Hall, PO Box 38A, Worcester, MA, 01610, USA.
| | - Dianne M Hezel
- Center for Obsessive-Compulsive Treatment and Related Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit #69, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Sabine Wilhelm
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, OCD and Related Disorders, 185 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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21
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Brunette AM, Schacter DL. Cognitive mechanisms of episodic simulation in psychiatric populations. Behav Res Ther 2020; 136:103778. [PMID: 33338778 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Episodic simulation is the construction of a mental representation of a specific autobiographical future event. Episodic simulation has increasingly been studied in psychiatric populations. Here we 1) review evidence indicating that episodic simulation is compromised in patients with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD; and 2) consider several potential cognitive mechanisms of episodic simulation in psychiatric populations: episodic retrieval, scene construction, mental imagery, components of the CaRFAX model (i.e., capture and rumination, functional avoidance, and executive functioning), and narrative style. We evaluate evidence regarding these mechanisms across psychiatric populations, and identify areas of future research. Understanding the factors that contribute to episodic simulation impairment in psychiatric populations may lead to targeted and effective treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Brunette
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Psychology Service, 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, United States.
| | - Daniel L Schacter
- Harvard University, Department of Psychology, William James Hall, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States.
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22
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Increasing Anticipatory Pleasure in Major Depression through Enhancing Episodic Future Thinking: a Randomized Single-Case Series Trial. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-020-09820-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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23
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Hallford DJ, Yeow JJE, Fountas G, Herrick CA, Raes F, D'Argembeau A. Changing the future: An initial test of Future Specificity Training (FeST). Behav Res Ther 2020; 131:103638. [PMID: 32416495 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A range of psychiatric disorders are characterised by impairments in episodic future thinking (EFT), and particularly simulating specific, spatiotemporally-located future events. No study has examined whether training can lead to sustained improvement in specific EFT. In this study, participants (N = 60; M age = 31, SD = 13.2) were randomized to a two-session, group-based future thinking program (Future Specificity Training; FeST) or wait-list. At follow-up the training group, relative to wait-list, showed large, statistically-significant improvements in the ability to mentally simulate specific EFT (d = .82), increases in detail (d = 1.32), use of mental imagery (d = 1.32), anticipated (d = 1.78) and anticipatory pleasure (d = 1.07), perceived control (d = 1.20), and likelihood of occurrence (d = 1.09). Some effects were also observed on positive, generalised future self-states. In the context of inherent limitations of subjective reporting in trials, this study provides evidence that EFT specificity can be enhanced, and the effects of FeST indicate a possible avenue to disrupt psychopathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Hallford
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - J J E Yeow
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Melbourne, Australia
| | - G Fountas
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Melbourne, Australia
| | - C A Herrick
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Melbourne, Australia
| | - F Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, Box 3712, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A D'Argembeau
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Liège, Belgium and Fonds de La Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S.-FNRS), Belgium
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24
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Pollack S, Herres J. Prior Day Negative Affect Influences Current Day Procrastination: A Lagged Daily Diary Analysis. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2020; 33:165-175. [PMID: 32008351 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2020.1722573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Procrastination is a common problem among college students. Negative affect associated with stress and anxiety is linked to higher levels of procrastination. Although there is a relationship between procrastination and affect, little is known about the direction of this relationship. The current study explored whether changes in daily negative affect (NA) or positive affect (PA) preceded procrastination or whether procrastination preceded changes in affect. Method and design: The current study is a secondary data analysis of a larger study. After completing an initial survey assessing students' emotional well-being, students were asked to participate in a follow-up daily diary survey. Participants in the daily diary (N = 53) completed a brief survey each weekday evening for two weeks that assessed daily affect and events. Multilevel regression tested whether NA and PA predicted next-day procrastination and vice versa. Results: Cross-lag panel analysis demonstrated that students reported more procrastination following days they experienced higher levels of NA. However, procrastination did not predict changes in NA. PA was not associated with prior day or next day procrastination experiences when controlling for NA. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that negative emotions motivate procrastination behavior. Implications for helping students cope with and regulate NA are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Pollack
- Psychology Department, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey, USA
| | - Joanna Herres
- Psychology Department, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey, USA
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25
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Sofis MJ, Lemley SM, Lee DC, Budney AJ. A web-based episodic specificity and future thinking session modulates delay discounting in cannabis users. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2020; 34:532-540. [PMID: 31999170 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Episodic future thinking (EFT), a brief intervention involving mental simulation of positive future events, improves delay discounting (DD) in nicotine and alcohol dependent individuals. This study is the first to assess effects of a single-session, online episodic training (ET) on constructs that might impact cannabis use and cannabis use disorder. A sample of 200 active cannabis users recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk were randomized to an EFT group (n = 102) or an episodic recent thinking control group (ERT; n = 98). A novel episodic specificity induction (ES) was included to enhance quality of episodic thinking for the ET group, and an ES attention control was provided to the ERT group (control training group; CT). Quality and manipulation ratings of event excitement, vividness, importance, and enjoyment of trainings were collected in addition to DD tasks (gains and losses) and readiness to change cannabis use. The ET group reported higher overall quality and manipulation ratings than did the CT group (p < .001, d = 0.79). DD of gains was lower in the ET relative to those of the CT group after controlling for relevant variables (p = .003, d = 0.48), unlike DD of losses (p = .50, d = 0.11). The ET group showed larger pre/post increases in readiness to change, but they were not statistically significant (p = .069, d = 0.26). These effects, following a session of online ET, suggests that ET may positively impact factors related to reduction in cannabis use. Differential effects of EFT and ES components on DD and the development of ET as an adjunctive mHealth intervention targeting reduction in cannabis use appears warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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26
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Hallford DJ, Barry TJ, Austin DW, Raes F, Takano K, Klein B. Impairments in episodic future thinking for positive events and anticipatory pleasure in major depression. J Affect Disord 2020; 260:536-543. [PMID: 31539690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Characteristic of the cardinal symptom of anhedonia, people with clinical depression report lower levels of anticipatory pleasure. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying these deficits are poorly understood. This is the first study to assess whether, and to what extent, phenomenological characteristics of episodic future thinking for positive future events are associated with anticipatory pleasure among depressed individuals. METHODS Individuals with a Major Depressive Episode (MDE; N = 117) and without (N = 47) completed ratings scales for depressive symptoms and trait anticipatory and consummatory pleasure. They then provided descriptions of personally-relevant positive future events and rated them for phenomenological characteristics and state anticipatory pleasure. RESULTS Between-groups analysis showed that those with MDE reported lower trait anticipatory and consummatory pleasure. They also simulated future events with less specificity, less detail/vividness, less use of mental imagery, less use of first-person perspective, less plausibility/perceived likelihood of occurring, and reported less associated state anticipatory pleasure. In regression analyses in the depressed group, lower scores for detail/vividness, mental imagery, and personal significance all uniquely predicted lower state anticipatory pleasure. LIMITATIONS Cognitive functioning was not assessed, which may help clarify deficits that underpin these findings. History of previous depressive episodes in the comparison group were not assessed, which may mean the observed between-group effects are underestimated. CONCLUSIONS This study provides further evidence of deficits in episodic future thinking and anticipatory pleasure in depressed individuals. It also establishes links between particular characteristics of episodic future thinking and state anticipatory pleasure, and indicates cognitive targets that may be amenable to intervention in order to reduce anhedonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Hallford
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Melbourne, Victoria, 3220, Australia.
| | - T J Barry
- Department of Psychology, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - D W Austin
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Melbourne, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - F Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, Leuven, Box 3712, 3000, Belgium
| | - K Takano
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, München, 80539, Germany
| | - B Klein
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, University Dr, Mount Helen, VIC, 3350, Australia
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27
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Jing HG, Madore KP, Schacter DL. Not to worry: Episodic retrieval impacts emotion regulation in older adults. Emotion 2019; 20:590-604. [PMID: 30816741 DOI: 10.1037/emo0000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Interventions that increase the specificity of episodic memory and future-oriented problem solving have been shown to help both young adults and clinical populations regulate their emotions toward potential stressors. However, little is known about how episodic specificity impacts anxiety levels in older adults, who show reduced specificity of episodic memory, future simulation, and problem-solving performance. Although emotion regulation generally improves with age, older adults still experience worries pertaining to their health and interpersonal relationships. The current studies test how episodic specificity affects emotion regulation in older adults. In Experiment 1, participants received an episodic specificity induction (ESI)-brief training in recollecting details of past experiences-prior to generating steps to solve worrisome problems. Older adults provided more relevant steps and episodic details after the specificity induction relative to a control induction, but we found no difference in emotion regulation ratings between induction conditions. In Experiment 2, we contrasted performance on a personal problem-solving task (i.e., generating steps to solve one's own problems) intended to draw on episodic retrieval with an advice task focused on semantic processing (i.e., listing general advice for an acquaintance worried about similar problems). Participants provided more relevant steps and episodic details in the personal problem-solving task relative to the advice task, and boosts in detail were related to larger reductions in anxiety toward the target worrisome events. These results indicate that solving worrisome problems with greater levels of episodic detail can positively influence emotion regulation in older adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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28
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D J H. The phenomenological characteristics of autobiographical future thinking in dysphoric and non-dysphoric individuals. Psychiatry Res 2019; 273:481-486. [PMID: 30685730 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Depressive symptoms are associated with deficits in objectively-rated detail and specificity in autobiographical future thinking for personally-relevant events. However, how depressive symptoms might affect the subjective, phenomenal characteristics of future thinking in general is not well understood. This study examined future thinking as self-reported by dysphoric (n = 79; probable major depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire and very or extremely difficult impact on functioning) and non-dysphoric adults (n = 79; as defined by normal range on the PHQ) that were matched on age and gender. The dysphoric group reported more frequent thoughts about their future in general, particularly for the long-term future, which persisted after controlling for emotional-valence. Dysphoric individuals perceived their future thinking as being more frequently vivid and detailed, more often involving mental imagery and inner speech, more often involuntary, more often unrealistic or implausible, more negatively-valenced, and more often from a third-person perspective. The findings indicate differences in the phenomenology of thinking about one's future among dysphoric individuals, some of which contrast with prior research findings. The implications for understanding autobiographical future thinking in depression are discussed, and studies are indicated to further clarify the content, function, and context of future thinking in altered affective states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallford D J
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Road, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia.
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29
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Di Simplicio M, Lau-Zhu A, Meluken I, Taylor P, Kessing LV, Vinberg M, Holmes EA, Miskowiak KW. Emotional Mental Imagery Abnormalities in Monozygotic Twins With, at High-Risk of, and Without Affective Disorders: Present in Affected Twins in Remission but Absent in High-Risk Twins. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:801. [PMID: 31780967 PMCID: PMC6856790 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mental imagery abnormalities feature across affective disorders including bipolar disorder (BD) and unipolar depression (UD). Maladaptive emotional imagery has been proposed as a maintenance factor for affective symptomatology and a target for mechanism-driven psychological treatment developments. Where imagery abnormalities feature beyond acute affective episodes, further opportunities for innovation arise beyond treatments, such as for tertiary/relapse prevention (e.g., in remitted individuals) or primary prevention (e.g., in non-affected but at-risk individuals). The aim of our study was to investigate for the first time the presence of possible mental imagery abnormalities in affected individuals in remission and at-risk individuals for affective disorders using a familial risk design. Methods: A population-based cohort of monozygotic twins was recruited through linkage between the Danish national registries (N=204). Participants were grouped as: affected (remitted BD/UD; n = 115); high-risk (co-twin with history of BD/UD; n = 49), or low-risk (no co-twin history of BD/UD; n = 40). Twins completed mental imagery measures spanning key subjective domains (spontaneous imagery use and emotional imagery) and cognitive domains (imagery inspection and imagery manipulation). Results: Affected twins in remission reported enhanced emotional mental imagery compared to both low- and high-risk twins. This was characterized by greater impact of i) intrusive prospective imagery (Impact of Future Events Scale) and ii) deliberately-generated prospective imagery of negative scenarios (Prospective Imagery Task). There were no significant differences in these key measures between affected BD and UD twins in remission. Additionally, low- and high-risk twins did not significantly differ on these emotional imagery measures. There were also no significant differences between the three groups on non-emotional measures including spontaneous imagery use and cognitive stages of imagery. Conclusions: Abnormalities in emotional prospective imagery are present in monozygotic twins with affective disorders in remission-despite preserved cognitive stages of imagery-but absent in unaffected high-risk twins, and thus do not appear to index familial risk (i.e., unlikely to qualify as "endophenotypes"). Elevated emotional prospective imagery represents a promising treatment/prevention target in affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Di Simplicio
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Lau-Zhu
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Medical Sciences Division, Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Iselin Meluken
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick Taylor
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Vedel Kessing
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maj Vinberg
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emily Alexandra Holmes
- Division of Psychology, Department for Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Dainer-Best J, Shumake JD, Beevers CG. Positive imagery training increases positive self-referent cognition in depression. Behav Res Ther 2018; 111:72-83. [PMID: 30321746 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Depressed adults often show a bias towards negative self-referent processing at the expense of positive self-referent processing. The current study assessed whether a mental imagery intervention (Positive Self Reference Training-PSRT) delivered via the Internet could improve self-referent processing and depressive symptomatology among adults with moderate or greater depression symptoms. Participants were recruited via online methods and randomly assigned to one of two computerized interventions: active PSRT (n=44) or control training (NTC; n=43). The PSRT involved visualizing the self in response to different positive cues (e.g., an achievement) every other day for two weeks. The NTC provided neutral cues about objects. Self-referential processing of positive and negative adjectives and depression symptoms were measured at baseline, one week, and two weeks after initiating training. Over those two weeks, PSRT participants showed a greater increase in positive self-referent processing than did NTC participants. Negative self-referent processing and symptoms of depression declined comparably in both groups. Similarly, for both groups, increase in positive and decrease in negative self-referent processing was associated with a greater reduction in depression. These results indicate that mental imagery has the potential to improve self-referential processing, especially for positive stimuli, which may, in turn, help reduce depressive symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Dainer-Best
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 305 E. 23rd St.; Stop E9000; Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Jason D Shumake
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 305 E. 23rd St.; Stop E9000; Austin, TX, 78712, USA; Institute for Mental Health Research, The University of Texas at Austin, USA.
| | - Christopher G Beevers
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 305 E. 23rd St.; Stop E9000; Austin, TX, 78712, USA; Institute for Mental Health Research, The University of Texas at Austin, USA.
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