A meta-analysis of the relationship between anxiety and attentional control.

A meta-analysis of the relationship between anxiety and attentional control.
Clin Psychol Rev. 2019 Jul 08;72:101754
Authors: Shi R, Sharpe L, Abbott M
Abstract
Attentional Control Theory (ACT) (Eysenck & Derakshan, 2011) proposes that attention control (AC) deficits are central to the development of anxiety. This meta-analysis investigated the size and nature of AC deficits in anxious compared to non-anxious participants. We made the following hypotheses based on ACT: i) anxiety-related AC deficits occur in the AC components of inhibition and switching, but not updating; ii) deficits will be more pronounced for AC efficiency (reaction times) than effectiveness (accuracy); iii) studies with high cognitive load conditions will observe greater deficits than studies with normal cognitive load; iv) age and anxiety level will moderate the effect of anxiety on AC. Fifty-eight studies (N = 8292) met inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed a significant AC deficit for high compared to low anxiety participants (Hedges' g = -0.58). Overall, results supported assumptions of ACT: anxiety produced significant deficits in AC efficiency but not effectiveness; these deficits occurred in inhibition and switching but not updating and studies with high cognitive load conditions found larger anxiety related AC deficits. Age moderated the relationship between anxiety and AC in behavioural studies and anxiety severity moderated this rel...

Source: Clinical Psychology Review - July 7, 2019 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Shi R, Sharpe L, Abbott M Tags: Clin Psychol Rev Source Type: research