Examining neurocognitive mechanisms to inform treatment interventions for addictive behaviours

In recent years, there has been a growing appreciation of the role that subconscious “cognitive biases” play in addiction. This has led to the development of novel computerised interventions called cognitive bias modification” (CBM) that aim to alter these cognitive biases triggered by drug-related stimuli in the environment. Research suggests that one particular type of CBM is effective at treating alcohol use disorders, in certain treatment contexts, populations. Part of the mystery behind why and how CBM works in some contexts and not others, is that we don’t yet understand the neural, psychological, and behavioural mechanisms that underlie its efficacy. This PhD scholarship is supported by two NHMRC funded studies and will fund a candidate to work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a program of research examining how cognitive biases vary across the spectrum of alcohol use disorder severity and how they are influenced by factors such as time of day, mood, and physical/social context. The candidate will receive training in, and use a range of psychophysiological, cognitive, behavioural, and psychological measurement techniques in both clinical trials and experimental laboratory-based studies. This program of research aims to both deepen our knowledge of the cognitive psychology of addiction at the theoretical level, and to broaden its practical application through improved CBM interventions that can be effective in a wider range of contexts, patients, and delivery platforms (including smartphone-apps). The project is supported by A/Prof Kristian Rotaru and the Monash Business Behavioural Laboratory (MBBL). MBBL offers a platform to conduct multimodal experiments utilising the latest technologies in eye tracking, skin conductance, electrocardiography (ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), automated facial expression analysis, and virtual reality. The use of these technologies will provide the candidate with a unique opportunity to design and test novel interventions that will advance our understanding of cognitive biases and its modification.