Inhibitory control training and unhealthy behaviours: a meta-analysis testing short and long- term effects in clinical and at-risk populations

The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy foods is considered the three key factors contributing to preventable morbidity and early mortality worldwide. Inhibitory Control Training (ICT) is suggested as an intervention to reduce behaviours linked to deficient inhibitory control. However, evidence supporting its efficacy on clinical and at-risk populations is lacking. Here, we provide new meta-analytic evidence about the efficacy of ICT in reducing overeating, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking in clinical and at-risk populations. Our meta-analysis encompassed fifteen articles, comprising sixteen studies and data from one thousand two hundred and sixteen participants. Nine studies focused on eating behaviour, four on alcohol consumption, and three on cigarette smoking, and they focused on the following clinical and at-risk conditions: overweight, obesity and eating disorders; alcohol use disorder and heavy drinking habits; tobacco use disorders or nicotine dependence. In all the studies, ICT was employed as a stand-alone intervention. We performed meta-analyses to evaluate the effects of ICT on behavioural outcomes at post-training (short-term) and at follow-up (long-term), and meta-regressions to test the role of the following moderators: target behaviour; training paradigm, setting; training duration; and number of sessions. Results indicated no significant differences between the experimental and control conditions, both in the short and long-term. Furthermore, none of the considered moderators had a significant influence on ICT effects. These results suggest caution in the use of ICT as a stand-alone psychological intervention for excessive alcohol and food consumption, and cigarette smoking in clinical and at-risk populations, and suggest further investigation on the effectiveness of ICT when delivered alongside other treatments.