Online Intervention Reduces Hostile Attribution Bias, Anger, Aggressive Driving, and Cyber-Aggression, Results of Two Randomized Trials
Abstract
Background: Anger and aggression often result from attributing hostile intent to the ambiguous actions of other people. Methods: Two online double-blind parallel randomized pilot studies with healthy adult volunteers tested a novel online cognitive intervention called Hostile Bias Modification Training (HBMT). We hypothesized HBMT would reduce hostile attribution bias, anger, and aggression. In study one, 180 volunteers were randomized to one of three versions of HBMT (active, alternative, and placebo). In study two, 217 volunteers were randomized to either active or placebo HBMT and returned 24-96 hours later to complete measures of hostile attribution bias, anger, and aggression. Results: In study one, volunteers who completed active HBMT (vs. placebo) subsequently interpreted hypothetical vignettes as significantly less hostile (d = 0.64, p = .006) and reported significantly less imagined anger (d = 0.51, p = .006) and aggression (d = 0.73, p < .001). In study two, active HBMT (vs. placebo) was associated with reduced hostile attribution bias (np 2=.089, p < .001), less aggressive driving (np 2= .039, p = .027), and lower likelihood of cyberaggression (OR: 0.56, p = .004) 24-96 hours after intervention. Conclusions: These results suggest HBMT may be an easily implemented intervention to improve anger-related outcomes. No harms to volunteers were observed. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04015440 on July 11, 2019.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1185742
Entities
People
- Erin G. Zaroukian
- Jeffrey M. Osgood
- Phillip J. Quartana
- Sue E. Kase
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research