Effect of Positive Imagery-Based Interpretation Bias Modification, Interpretation Bias Modification Based Self-Generation and Computerized Cognitive-Behaviour Training on Depressed Students

Depressed people tend to process or recall negative information easier than positive or neutral information. A recent method that promises modifying the intrusive memories is cognitive bias modification (CBM). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of four weeks training of interpretation (CBM-I) and CBM-I based on self-generation among the students with depressive symptoms and to compare them with computerized cognitive behavior training. The present study is a quasi-experimental research with three groups including pre-test, post-test and follow-up. Fifty one students were randomly assigned into groups of standardized CBM-I, self-generation, and computerized cognitive behaviour training. Instruments included a questionnaires related to the mood, interpretation bias, memory bias and dysfunctional attitudes. Standardized CBM-I, self-generation, and computerized cognitive-behaviour training significantly showed reduced symptoms of depression, enhanced mood, increased positive interpretation bias, increased positive memory bias and reduced negative memory bias. In none of the variables no significant difference was observed between the interventions. Only for positive memory bias, self-generation method was significantly superior to cognitive-behaviour therapy—but not to standardized CBM-I.