OBJECTIVE: This study explores whether four sessions of attention bias modification (ABM) decreases suicide-specific attentional bias.
METHODS: We conducted two experiments where suicide ideators completed either a Training or Control version of ABM, a computer-based intervention intended to target attentional bias. Suicide-specific attentional bias was measured using adapted Stroop and probe discrimination tasks.
RESULTS: The first experiment with community-based suicide ideators did not show that ABM impacts attentional bias or suicidal ideation. The second experiment with clinically severe suicidal inpatients yielded similar results. Post-hoc findings suggest that the type of attentional bias targeted by the current intervention may differ from the type that marks suicide risk.
CONCLUSION: There remains little to no evidence that the ABM intervention changes suicide-specific attentional bias or suicidal ideation.