Cognitive Bias Modification & Exercise

This doctoral thesis investigates the complex relationship between mental well-being, cognitive bias and physical exercise. The introduction of this thesis begins with a perspective of the relationship between cognitive interpretation bias, physical exercise and mental well-being, specifically anxiety. The thesis begins with two studies which measure the effect of physical exercise on typical individual’s interpretation biases and measures of mental well-being. Study three begins to develop an exercise orientated Cognitive Interpretation Bias Modification (CBM-I) training programme that’s positively valanced and incorporating a dual method of CBM-I and exercise training against a rest control group. Study four uses the same methodological paradigm as study three whilst introducing a more robust control condition and recruiting a high anxiety sample. Study four uses a neutral CBM-I training program instead of a rest control condition, along with a positive CBM-I training program and physical exercise and measures the effect of these on interpretation bias and measures of mental well-being. Study five focuses on developing the neutral CBM-I training in direct contrast to the positive CBM-I training over the course of two sessions with a high anxiety sample of participants. Study Six and seven both recruited a high anxiety sample and were the only studies conducted completely online. Study Six consisted of six sessions of positive or neutral CBM-I training over six weeks. Whilst study seven consisted of three sessions of positive CBM-I, positive CBM-I & exercise, exercise or neutral CBM-I training over a three-week period. The results from these seven studies suggest support for positive CBM-I training which is exercise valanced and physical exercise for reducing self-report anxiety and depression. Implications for mental well-being in cases of sub-clinical anxiety are discussed, limitations addressed and future directions are considered.