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- Interpretation Bias Modification Training for Adults with Histories of Childhood Abuse
- Hyeju Ha, Eun-Jung Shim
- STRESS. 2026;34(1):52-62. Published online March 30, 2026
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2026.34.1.52
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Abstract
PDF - Background
This study evaluated the effectiveness of Interpretation Bias Modification Training (IBMT) designed to reduce interpretation bias and psychopathology in individuals with a history of childhood abuse and examined potential mechanisms of change, including the added value of psychoeducation.
Methods
In this three-arm randomized controlled trial (N=35), participants aged 19~25 years were assigned to receive IBMT, IBMT plus psychoeducation, or an active placebo control.
Results
IBMT significantly reduced the tendency to interpret ambiguous facial expressions as anger and decreased psychopathological symptoms, including anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity, and hostility. These improvements were maintained at a 2-week follow-up. Reductions in interpretation bias and negative affect were associated with decreases in psychopathology, supporting their role as potential mechanisms underlying the effects of IBMT. In contrast, psychoeducation did not confer incremental benefits.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that IBMT may be an effective cognitive intervention for individuals with a history of childhood abuse by directly targeting maladaptive interpretation processes.
- The Efficacy of Interpretation Bias Modification Program for Pain Outcomes
- Hyejin Park, Sungkun Cho
- STRESS. 2020;28(2):51-60. Published online June 30, 2020
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2020.28.2.51
- 4,733 View
- 66 Download
- 1 Citations
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Abstract
PDF
Background Fear-avoidance model for pain suggests interpretation bias affects subsequent pain experience. However, limited research has been conducted on the role of interpretation bias in a subjective pain experience. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of interpretation bias modification for pain outcomes (i.e., pain intensity, threshold, and tolerance).
Methods 53 healthy university students were randomly assigned to either the training (n=28) or the control group (n=25). Interpretation bias and negative emotion were assessed before and after conducting the interpretation bias modification for pain (IBM-P). During a cold pressor task, pain outcomes were measured.
Results Results indicated that the training group showed significantly decreased interpretation bias and negative emotion than the control group after the IBM-P. Also, participants in the training group was found to have a greater pain threshold during the cold pressor task than those in the control group. Furthermore, the IBM-P effect on increased pain threshold was mediated by post-interpretational bias. Other pain outcomes and mediating effect of post-interpretational bias on the negative emotion were not significant.
Conclusions Results highlight that interpretation bias is modifiable and plays an important role in pain outcomes. Thus, using IBM-P for pain patients can be a useful application to alleviate their pain outcomes. Future research should consider the precise role of interpretation bias that affects patient’s pain outcomes.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- A protocol for an experimental investigation of the effects of pain-related interpretation bias modification on interpretation of ambiguous somatosensory and linguistic stimuli in healthy individuals
Philippa Broadbent, Christina Liossi, Daniel Eric Schoth, Anne Marie Jensen
PLOS ONE.2025; 20(4): e0318296. CrossRef
- A protocol for an experimental investigation of the effects of pain-related interpretation bias modification on interpretation of ambiguous somatosensory and linguistic stimuli in healthy individuals
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