The Science: Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT)

This game is based on a method called the Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT). It’s a form of Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) designed to retrain your automatic “gut” reactions, also known as action tendencies.

People experiencing anxiety, for example, often have an automatic tendency to “avoid” even safe or neutral social cues (like a friendly face), and may be slower to “approach” positive ones. This game trains the opposite: you repeatedly practice the physical action of “pulling” positive signals closer and “pushing” negative signals away. Over time, this can help reshape those instinctual responses.

Who can benefit from this game?

This exercise may be helpful for:

• Individuals working with social anxiety who tend to avoid social cues.
• People with phobias who are learning to reduce automatic avoidance.
• Anyone looking to practice reacting more positively to safe signals.

Scientific Effectiveness & References

This is an evidence-informed skills trainer. AAT has been studied for its potential to modify automatic biases in anxiety, addiction, and other areas. Regular practice may help in retraining these biases, but this tool is not a treatment on its own.

• Rinck, M., & Becker, E. S. (2007). Approach and avoidance in fear of spiders. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 38(2), 105-120.
• Woud, M. L., et al. (2012). Retraining automatic action tendencies in smokers. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 26(2), 340–344.
• Amir, N., et al. (2009). Attentional bias modification for social anxiety. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 118(2), 271–278.