A systematic review of event-related potentials as outcome measures of attention bias modification

Attention bias modification (ABM) was initially developed with the goal of reducing attentional bias to threat—and subsequently anxious symptoms—in individuals with heightened anxiety. Although controversial, ABM appears to be generally effective in achieving this goal. Yet, the primary outcome measure of ABM (i.e., the RT based differences score) has poor reliability and temporal resolution, which limits the inferences that can be drawn. In contrast, event-related potentials (ERPs) have superior reliability as well as temporal resolution and may therefore be better outcome measures of ABM. In this review, I systematically assess the research using ERPs as outcome measures in ABM protocols. I focus on the extent to which the ERPs modified by ABM represent earlier or later stages of information processing. In addition, I explore the extent to which ABM produces near and/or far transfer of learning effects on ERP measures. The reviewed literature suggests that ERPs are promising outcome measures of ABM. Both early attention-related processes as well as cognitive control processes are modulated by ABM. Based on the state of the field, several directions for future research are identified.