Changing the future: An initial test of Future Specificity Training (FeST)

[en] A range of psychiatric disorders are characterised by impairments in episodic future thinking (EFT), and particularly simulating specific, spatiotemporally-located future events. No study has examined whether training can lead to sustained improvement in specific EFT. In this study, participants (N = 60; M age = 31, SD = 13.2) were randomized to a two-session, group-based future thinking program (Future Specificity Training; FeST) or wait-list. At follow-up the training group, relative to wait-list, showed large, statistically-significant improvements in the ability to mentally simulate specific EFT (d = .82), increases in detail (d = 1.32), use of mental imagery (d = 1.32), anticipated (d = 1.78) and anticipatory pleasure (d = 1.07), perceived control (d = 1.20), and likelihood of occurrence (d = 1.09). Some effects were also observed on positive, generalised future self-states. In the context of inherent limitations of subjective reporting in trials, this study provides evidence that EFT specificity can be enhanced, and the effects of FeST indicate a possible avenue to disrupt psychopathological processes. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd

Disciplines :

Treatment & clinical psychology

Author, co-author :

Hallford, D. J.; School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia

Yeow, J. J. E.; School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia

Fountas, G.; School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia

Herrick, C. A.; School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia

Raes, F.; Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, Box 3712, Leuven, 3000, Belgium

D'Argembeau, Arnaud ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Psychologie > Département de Psychologie

Language :

English

Title :

Changing the future: An initial test of Future Specificity Training (FeST)

Publication date :

2020

Journal title :

Behaviour Research and Therapy

ISSN :

0005-7967

eISSN :

1873-622X

Publisher :

Elsevier Ltd

Volume :

131

Pages :

103638

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Available on ORBi :

since 06 November 2020

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