Trained interpretive bias survives mood change

Abstract

Evidence is accumulating that interpretations can be trained using Cognitive Bias Modification procedures (CBM). The effects are replicable, stable over time and there is some evidence of generalizability. As a next step in determining the boundaries of the CBM model, the present experiment was designed to test whether modified interpretive style endures fluctuations in mood. Participants were trained to interpret ambiguous scenarios in either a positive ( n = 42) or negative ( n = 40) way. Then, participants were exposed to either a positive ( n = 41) or negative ( n = 41) mood induction procedure to change their current mood state. Results showed that the modified interpretive bias did not change in reaction to a mood change. That is, differences in interpretation of new ambiguous information were related to the interpretive bias modification procedure and not to the current mood state.