Preexposure to (un)predictable shock modulates discriminative fear learning between cue and context: an investigation of the interaction between fear and anxiety

International Journal of Psychophysiology : Official Journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology
Ann MeuldersDebora Vansteenwegen

Abstract

It has been suggested that prior experiences with unpredictable/uncontrollable stressors facilitate subsequent fear learning and the development of anxiety disorders. However, animal research documents that preexposure to unpredictable stressors (USs) impede later fear conditioning with that US. These differential predictions were tested in a human experimental model of clinical anxiety. One (US-only) group was preexposed to unpredictable shocks, a second (Unpaired) group received explicitly unpaired presentations of a neutral shape and the shock, and a third (Paired) group received paired shape-shock presentations. Next, all groups received training with a novel shape, using the same shock (50% reinforcement). Fear responding was assessed through startle modulation and online shock-expectancy ratings. Results showed retarded fear learning in the unpredictable groups compared to the predictable group. We argue that prior experiences of unpredictability may still contribute to the development of clinical anxiety, by impeding adaptive fear learning and perpetuating the perception of unpredictability/uncontrollability.

References

May 1, 1975·The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·F J Odling-Smee
Sep 1, 1986·Psychophysiology·A J Fridlund, J T Cacioppo
May 23, 2002·Biological Psychiatry·Christian Grillon
May 12, 2005·Behaviour Research and Therapy·Shmuel LissekDaniel S Pine
Jul 17, 2009·Behaviour Research and Therapy·Riet FonteyneDebora Vansteenwegen

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Citations

Sep 24, 2013·Neurobiology of Learning and Memory·Katherine LeaderbrandJelena Radulovic
Dec 3, 2014·International Journal of Psychophysiology : Official Journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology·Johanna M P Baas, Ivo Heitland
Dec 17, 2014·The Journal of Pain : Official Journal of the American Pain Society·Kai KarosJohan W S Vlaeyen
Apr 8, 2017·The Journal of Pain : Official Journal of the American Pain Society·Daniel S HarvieAnn Meulders
May 1, 2018·Pain·Kai KarosJohan W S Vlaeyen
Jul 6, 2019·Frontiers in Psychology·Friederike RaederArmin Zlomuzica

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