A smoking cessation intervention: online cognitive bias training

There is a need for effective smoking cessation interventions. The aims of this intervention study are to examine the effectiveness of an online cognitive bias training (approach and attentional bias) in reducing approach and attentional bias for smoking-related cues, as well as increasing smoking cessation outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (1) both attentional bias + approach bias training; (2) attentional bias + placebo approach bias training, (3) approach bias + placebo attentional bias training, (4) placebo attentional bias + placebo approach bias training. Main study parameters and outcomes are: smoking cessation, craving, decrease in cognitive biases, impulsivity-related constructs, personality constructs and motivation to quit smoking.

1. Participants in the CBM training condition have weaker smoking related cognitive biases than those in the placebo condition

2. Improvement in smoking cessation outcomes in participants in the CBM training condition compared to those in the placebo condition.

3. The effect of CBM training is moderated by impulsivity related constructs

4. The effect of CBM training is moderated by personality characteristics

- Screening (TLFB)

- Pre-training assessement (BDI, CORE, TLFB, SURPS, QSU, AAT, VPT)

- Each session (11 in total): Motivation, Craving, TLFB, CBM training

- Post-assessment (BDI, CORE, TLFB, QSU, AAT, VPT)

The online sessions start out with an automatized motivational interview followed by Cognitive bias modification (CBM) to reduce attentional bias (AB) and approach-avoidance bias (AAT) toward smoking-related cues and increase smoking cessation.

Condition 1: Both AB + AAT training

Condition 2: AB training + placebo AAT

Condition 3: AAT training + placebo AB

Condition 4: placebo AB and placebo AAT