Context-dependency of vicarious extinction learning

IF 2.6 3区 心理学 Q2 BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Armin Zlomuzica , Friederike Raeder , Sarah Reher , Miriam Lange , Ekrem Dere
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background and objectives

It is well documented that the fear of specific stimuli and situations can be acquired through the social observation of the actions of another person. In contrast, it is still a matter of debate, whether processes related to fear attenuation, extinction, and extinction-retrieval can equally be achieved through social observation after de novo fear conditioning.

Methods

Here, we used a differential fear conditioning procedure and investigated whether the variation of the context of video-based vicarious extinction learning (VEL) will affect subsequent extinction learning and extinction-retrieval. Conditioned fear acquisition, extinction, and extinction-retrieval was measured using psychophysiological (skin conductance responses) and subjective measures (CS-UCS contingency ratings and CS-valence ratings).

Results

Participants showed enhanced fear extinction learning after VEL as compared to controls. VEL improved extinction learning relative to controls but appeared to be highly context-dependent. The beneficial effect of VEL on subsequent extinction learning was abolished when the context in which the model was performing in the video was different from the context in which the observer performed all stages of the experiment.

Limitations

Data were obtained in a non-clinical sample which does not permit the extrapolation of findings to clinical populations.

Conclusion

Our results suggests that safety information derived from VEL promotes fear extinction when model and observer perform the experiment in the same context. Given that fear extinction is considered as an experimental proxy of exposure therapy, our findings might be instructive for the development of novel clinical interventions to promote exposure treatment efficacy.
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来源期刊
Behavioural Brain Research
Behavioural Brain Research 医学-行为科学
CiteScore
5.60
自引率
0.00%
发文量
383
审稿时长
61 days
期刊介绍: Behavioural Brain Research is an international, interdisciplinary journal dedicated to the publication of articles in the field of behavioural neuroscience, broadly defined. Contributions from the entire range of disciplines that comprise the neurosciences, behavioural sciences or cognitive sciences are appropriate, as long as the goal is to delineate the neural mechanisms underlying behaviour. Thus, studies may range from neurophysiological, neuroanatomical, neurochemical or neuropharmacological analysis of brain-behaviour relations, including the use of molecular genetic or behavioural genetic approaches, to studies that involve the use of brain imaging techniques, to neuroethological studies. Reports of original research, of major methodological advances, or of novel conceptual approaches are all encouraged. The journal will also consider critical reviews on selected topics.
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