Cognitive Bias Modification in tobacco dependence using an Approach-Avoidance Task (CBM-AAT): A randomized controlled double blind intervention study

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Nicotine dependence is one of the most prevalent mental disorders in Germany. Despite negative long-term consequences on health and although most individuals with nicotine dependence report a desire to quit smoking, long-term abstinence is the exception rather than the norm, even after receiving treatment. Evidence-based treatments either aim at a pharmacological substitution or at the modification of strategic types of information processing and behaviour. Automatic processes (e.g. implicit behavioural approach tendencies for smoking-related stimuli) are increasingly thought to play a dominant role in the maintenance of nicotine dependence. However, in current treatment approaches, these are hardly taken into account, let alone directly targeted. The proposed study has two aims: (1) The study will provide a first evaluation on the efficacy of cognitive bias modification, targeting dysfunctional automatic behavioural tendencies in nicotine dependence (CBM-AAT). In a randomized controlled double-blind trial, the efficacy of CBM-AAT as a specific add-on intervention to a well-established therapy program (Rauchfrei®) will be tested. (2) If CBM-AAT shows incremental efficacy, possible mechanisms underlying the effects of this add-on will be investigated.