Increasing Psychological Health and Performance in Soldiers Applying Advanced Eye-Tracking-Based Attention Bias Modification
Abstract
Paying attention to potential threats in ones environment is crucial for survival and central for appropriate processing of traumatic events. Substantive evidence indicate that biased threat processing confers vulnerability to stress-related psychopathology and that attention bias modification (ABM), a class of computerized interventions designed to modify aberrant attentional processing, is effective in reducing such bias and reducing symptoms. First-generation ABM protocols typically rely on RT-based tasks, which efficacy is limited to moderate effect sizes. Preliminary published results and pilot data suggest that eye-tracking-based ABM applying gaze-contingent feedback training (GCFT) may be more effective in guiding attention processes and reducing symptoms than traditional RT-based ABM. The objectives of the proposed grant are to establish the efficacy of GCFT in reducing risk for deployment-related stress symptoms, enhancing performance of infantry Soldiers, reducing stress-related symptoms following combat and optimizing the training regimen. These objectives will be achieved through four work packages (WP): three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one lab-based study. For the three proposed RCTs, we expect GCFT to be superior to RT-based ABM, which in turn will be superior to a neutral control. The overarching goal is to provide an effective evidence-based means to support Soldiers’ performance and psychological adjustment throughout the deployment cycle. WP1 is a 3-arm RCT contrasting the efficacy of GCFT, RT-based ABM, and neutral control in promoting resilience to combat stress symptoms in deploying infantry Soldiers. Training will occur before deployment and outcome will be measured 6 months into combat deployment. WP2 is a 3-arm RCT contrasting the efficacy of GCFT, RT-based ABM, and neutral control in enhancing the performance of infantry Soldiers. Pre- and post-training measures of marksmanship and commander evaluations of performance will be collected. WP3 is a 3-arm RCT contrasting the efficacy of GCFT, RT-based ABM, and neutral control in reducing stress-related symptoms in combat Veterans with PTSD. Finally, WP4 will use 12 lab-based sub-studies to reveal the optimal dose-response for GCFT, providing a practical guide for implementation. ABM protocols designed to enhance Soldiers’ psychological resilience and professional performance carry large scalability potential as low-cost technology-driven applications. The basic science supporting ABM’s efficacy is growing. The current application will provide key information about the efficacy of an eye-tracking-based ABM protocol in enhancing Soldiers’ psychological health and performance. Rigorous testing of a first-generation RT-based ABM program has led to implementation in the Israel Defense Force’s ground maneuver component and preliminary testing in U.S. Army populations. The current grant reflects the next generation of ABM application expected to be more potent and consistent in attentional target engagement, symptom prevention/reduction, and performance enhancement. Important contributions to clinical research and practice are expected by extending and optimizing current findings on GCFT efficacy to additional disorders and performance domains, along with vital information on optimal delivery.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W81XWH1910191
Entities
People
- Yair Bar-Haim
Organizations
- Tel Aviv University
- United States Army