[en] The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the attention training technique
(ATT) on the frequency of intrusive thoughts experienced by a person with schizophrenia in
her daily life. The attentional procedure was designed to attenuate self-focused attention and to
reinforce attentional control and consisted of auditory external exercises. Homework practice
was included to promote transfer to everyday life. The efficacy and specificity of the ATT were
assessed with cognitive, functional, and control measures. The impact of ATT on symptomatology,
work functioning, and self-esteem was also measured. Postrehabilitation results showed
that, after nine training sessions, there was a reduction in intrusive thoughts for the cognitive
and ecological outcome measures. Selective attention, attention switching, and resistance to
distractive interference specifically improved. The person reported a reduction in intrusive
thoughts in her daily life. In addition, positive symptoms decreased. Finally, a 6-month follow-up
assessment revealed the maintenance of most of the beneficial effects in daily life.
Disciplines :
Theoretical & cognitive psychology
Author, co-author :
Levaux, Marie-Noëlle ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Psychologie : cognition et comportement > Psychopathologie cognitive
Laroi, Frank ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Psychologie : cognition et comportement > Psychologie clinique cognitive et comportementale
Offerlin-Meyer, Isabelle
Danion, Jean-Marie
Van der Linden, Martial ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Psychologie : cognition et comportement > Psychopathologie cognitive
Language :
English
Title :
The effectiveness of the Attention Training Technique in reducing intrusive thoughts in schizophrenia: A case study
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