Is “Cootie” in the Eye of the Beholder? An Experimental Attempt to Modify Implicit Associations Tied to Contamination Fears

Abstract

To examine the causal link between implicit associations and fear reduction, a conditioning paradigm was used in an attempt to modify contamination-related implicit associations for individuals high in contamination fear. Individuals (N = 81) were assigned to a Positive, Neutral, or No Training condition. In the Positive training condition, individuals clicked on images of potential contaminants that were followed by images of the individual's smiling face or by an approach-related word. Positive training was hypothesized to result in decreased behavioral avoidance and emotional vulnerability ratings during subsequent behavioral avoidance tasks. In the Neutral training control condition, the images of potential contaminants were followed by an equal mix of the individual's smiling, disgusted, and fearful faces or an avoidance-related word. The No Training condition served as an additional control group. Contrary to expectations, training did not shift implicit associations, nor did it affect avoidance or emotional vulnerability ratings. These results raise questions about the most appropriate form and dosage of training for this population – we conclude with suggestions for researchers to learn from these null findings when developing new training programs.

Attempted Training of Alcohol Approach and Drinking Identity Associations in US Undergraduate Drinkers: Null Results from Two Studies

“…Unfortunately, we do not have clear evidence about which factor(s) are responsible for our null findings. However, our research team consists of researchers who have conducted multiple cognitive training studies targeting different maladaptive behaviors and mental health concerns, some of which have been successful [ 2 , 3 , 35 – 37 ] and some of which have not [ 38 – 40 ]. Accordingly, we offer some discussion of our findings and lessons learned, and provide recommendations for future studies.…”

Predictive validity of explicit and implicit threat overestimation in contamination fear

“…This symptom cutoff is in line with numerous other studies that have used high contamination fear samples (e.g., Deacon & Maack, 2008; Deacon & Olatunji, 2007; Olatunji, Sawchuk, Lohr, & de Jong, 2004). Our sample did not include participants low in contamination fear because these data were collected as part of a larger study that involved an intervention for contamination-fearful individuals (see Green & Teachman, 2012, and footnote 1). Individuals took the PI-WSUR-C online at a time of their choosing, as part of a larger battery of unrelated questionnaires that were given in random order.…”

“… 1 These data were collected as part of a larger two-session study designed to manipulate implicit contamination fear associations (see Green & Teachman, 2012). For the current study, we collapsed across experimental conditions because the experimental manipulation was unsuccessful.…”