Changing the future: An initial test of Future Specificity Training (FeST)
D J Hallford, J J E Yeow, G Fountas, C A Herrick, F Raes, A D'Argembeau, D J Hallford, J J E Yeow, G Fountas, C A Herrick, F Raes, A D'Argembeau
Abstract
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.
Keywords: Anticipatory pleasure; Episodic future thinking; Future thinking; Mental imagery; Perceived control; Specificity.
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Source: PubMed