The Application of Exceptions Questions in the Cognitive Bias Modification for Chinese College Students with Non-Clinical Social Anxiety

This study examined the immediate post-intervention effects of exceptions questions, a commonly used technique in solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), in cognitive bias modification (CBM) among 66 college students with non-clinical social anxiety symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned to an exceptions questions group or a control group. Compared with controls, the exceptions questions group showed longer reaction times to positive words, better recognition of positive words, and more positive interpretations of ambiguous scenarios. These findings suggest that exceptions questions may enhance positive cognitive biases and demonstrate immediate effectiveness in CBM for individuals with social anxiety symptoms.