Evaluating Cognitive Control Training on Symptoms of Depression over Time: Three Potential Mechanisms

Abstract Background Cognitive Control Training (CCT) may reduce symptoms of depression. The mechanisms behind CCT are unclear, however. This study examined the adaptive Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task's (aPASAT) effect on depressive symptoms, while examining potential mechanisms by which changes may occur. Methods Seventy-two participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: the aPASAT, an active control condition, and a no training control. Participants in the aPASAT and active control conditions each practiced a cognitive task over a 2-week period. The aPASAT is paced and time-pressured, whereas the active control was self-paced and developed to be less stressful. Results Linear trend analysis revealed that, when accounting for age, CCT decreased depressive symptoms as the stress involved in the training task increased, as predicted. Against prediction, self-reported distress tolerance was unrelated to this pattern. Limitations This study did not include data to evaluate performance on the training tasks. Additionally, though the task in the active control condition was developed to be less stressful, participant stress was not directly measured. Conclusions Findings suggest that cognitive control training may reduce depressive symptoms and that the stressful component of the aPASAT may be important in that reduction.