Cognitive Bias Modification and Cognitive Control Training in Addiction and Related Psychopathology

Abstract

The past decade has witnessed a surge in research on training paradigms aimed at directly influencing cognitive processes in addiction and other psychopathology. Broadly, two avenues have been explored: In the first, the aim was to change maladaptive cognitive motivational biases (cognitive bias modification); in the second, the aim was to increase general control processes (e.g., working memory capacity). These approaches are consistent with a dual-process perspective in which psychopathology is related to a combination of disorder-specific impulsive processes and weak general abilities to control these impulses in view of reflective longer-term considerations. After reviewing the evidence for dual-process models in addiction, we discuss a number of critical issues, along with suggestions for further research. We argue that theoretical advancement, along with a better understanding of the underlying neurocognitive processes, is crucial for adequately responding to recent criticisms on dual-process models and for optimizing training paradigms for use in clinical practice.