Researchers from CAMY are collaborating on this UCL-based research project looking at improving mood and anxiety symptoms using computational concepts. The project is focused on investigating what the 'active ingredients' of cognitive therapy for social anxiety are, how we can maximise their effects for young people with comorbid anxiety and depression, and who is most likely to benefit from them. Based on the Clark and Wells (1995) model of social anxiety which underlies this therapy, we hypothesise that positive social surprises and a reduction in self-focused attention may be key for improvement in social anxiety and depression. To test this, we aim to develop experiments where we manipulate the level of positive social surprise, for example having other people react more or less positively or negatively to participants, as well as the focus of attention, testing if external focus will enhance the experience of social surprises.
We are working with a Young Person Advisory Group to get their input at all stages of the research from planning to dissemination.
You can find out more here: Our research – Anxiety, Self-Image and Mood (AIM) Lab (brainlog.blog)
