Does a single digital session help reduce anxiety interpretation bias?

Anxiety often involves a tendency to interpret ambiguous situations negatively, known as negative interpretation bias. A single digital session designed to teach reappraisal — looking at situations from different perspectives — may help shift this bias. A 2024 randomized trial tested a digital single-session reappraisal intervention (called PRISM) in college students and found it reduced negative interpretations tied to social media and other situations.

What the research says

A 2024 randomized controlled trial with 162 college students who had negative self-evaluations related to social media tested a digital single-session reappraisal intervention called PRISM ⁴. The intervention was designed to shift 'online' interpretation bias (e.g., catastrophic thoughts about likes or followers) and 'offline' interpretation bias (e.g., interpretations of in-person social situations) ⁴. Results showed that PRISM led to greater reductions in both online and offline negative interpretation bias compared to an activity-matched control condition ⁴. This suggests that a brief, single digital session can modify interpretation bias, which is a known risk factor for anxiety ⁴. Other digital interventions for anxiety, such as CBT chatbots and self-help programs, typically involve multiple sessions over weeks ¹⁶⁷, but this study shows that even one focused session can have an effect on a specific cognitive pattern ⁴.

What to ask your doctor

• Could a single-session reappraisal exercise be a helpful first step for managing my tendency to interpret situations negatively?
• Are there digital tools or programs that teach reappraisal skills for anxiety?
• How does targeting interpretation bias fit into a broader treatment plan for anxiety?
• Should I consider combining a brief digital intervention with other treatments like therapy or medication?