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Woelk M, Hagenaars MA, Raes F, Vervliet B, Krans J. Imagery rescripting and extinction: Effects on US expectancy, US revaluation, and the generalization of fear reduction. Behav Res Ther 2024; 178:104544. [PMID: 38704975 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Exposure therapy consists of exposing patients to their fears and thereby diminishing their harm expectancies (i.e., extinction or expectancy learning). Although effective for many anxiety patients, its long-term success depends on the generalization of these harm expectancies to other stimuli. However, research shows that this generalization of extinction is limited. Besides decreasing harm expectancies, fear reduction may also be achieved by changing the meaning of an aversive memory representation (US revaluation). Imagery rescripting (ImRs) may be more successful in generalizing fear reduction because it allegedly works through US revaluation. The current experiment aimed to test working mechanisms for ImRs and extinction (revaluation and expectancy learning, respectively), and to examine generalization of fear reduction. In a fear conditioning paradigm, 113 healthy participants watched an aversive film clip that was used as the US. The manipulation consisted of imagining a script with a positive ending to the film clip (ImRs-only), extinction (extinction-only), or both (ImRs + extinction). Results showed enhanced US revaluation in ImRs + extinction. US expectancy decreased more strongly in the extinction conditions. Generalization of fear reduction was found in all conditions. Our results suggest different working mechanisms for ImRs and exposure. Future research should replicate this in (sub)clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Woelk
- Research Unit Behaviour, Health, and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 box 3712, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584, CS Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - M A Hagenaars
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584, CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - F Raes
- Research Unit Behaviour, Health, and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 box 3712, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - B Vervliet
- Research Unit Brain and Cognition, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 box 3717, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - J Krans
- Research Unit Behaviour, Health, and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 box 3712, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Pro Persona Overwaal Centre for Anxiety, OCD, and PTSD, Pastoor van Laakstraat 48, 6663, CB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525, GD Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Mitra S, Asthana MK. Attenuating conditioned fear using imagery-based interventions: An overview. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105751. [PMID: 38838877 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
A growing literature has sought to include mental imagery in fear conditioning studies. Imaginal extinction and imagery rescripting are mental imagery-based interventions that reduce conditioned fear. In the current study, we reviewed the recent findings on the efficacy of imaginal extinction and imagery rescripting as interventions to attenuate conditioned fear responses among healthy individuals. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search in four databases, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science to find published original empirical articles involving imagery-based interventions using a fear conditioning paradigm. The inclusion criteria were (i) use of an imagery-based intervention (either imaginal extinction or imagery rescripting), and (ii) use of a differential fear conditioning paradigm. 13 original articles reporting 15 experimental studies were included in the review. The review revealed that imagery-based interventions are effective in reducing conditioned fear. Although studies have shown that imaginal extinction and standard extinction have comparable effects in fear extinction, many studies have not been conducted to confirm the findings, or explore the underlying mechanisms. We also found the need for a standardized intervention protocol to enhance experimental control in intervention-based fear conditioning studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmili Mitra
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Manish Kumar Asthana
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India; Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India.
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O'Donohue MP, Amir Hamzah K, Nichols D, Ney LJ. Trauma film viewing and intrusive memories: Relationship between salivary alpha amylase, endocannabinoids, and cortisol. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 164:107007. [PMID: 38503195 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid (ECB) system is a small molecule lipid signalling system that is involved in stress response activation and is associated with PTSD, but it is unclear whether salivary ECBs are part of the sympathetic nervous system response to stress. We conducted an adapted trauma film paradigm, where participants completed a cold pressor test (or control) while watching a 10-minute trauma film. We also collected saliva and hair samples and tested them for ECBs, cortisol, and salivary alpha amylase (sAA). As hypothesised, there were significant positive correlations between sAA activity and salivary ECB levels, particularly 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), though ECBs were not correlated with sAA stress reactivity. Participants who had a significant cortisol response to the trauma film/stressor reported less intrusive memories, which were also less distressing and less vivid. This effect was moderated by arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA), where decreases in AEA post-stress were associated with more intrusive memories in cortisol non-responders only. This study provides new evidence for the role of ECBs in the sympathetic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P O'Donohue
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| | - Khalisa Amir Hamzah
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| | - David Nichols
- Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Luke J Ney
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
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van Schie K, Burghart M, Kang S, Mertens G, Smeets T. Boosting long-term effects of degraded memories via acute stress. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 11:100154. [PMID: 35811786 PMCID: PMC9263399 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Combining recall of an emotional memory with simultaneous horizontal eye movements (i.e., Recall + EM) reduces memory aversiveness. However, the long-term persistence of this effect is inconsistent across studies. Given that stress may aid in the consolidation of memories, we examined whether acute stress can boost the long-term effects of degraded memories. To test this, participants recalled two negative memories, which were assigned to a Recall + EM or Recall Only condition. Before and after each intervention they rated memory aversiveness (i.e., immediate effects) followed by a stress-induction or control procedure. After a 24h-period, participants rated each memory again (i.e., long-term effects). We found that Recall + EM produces immediate effects but that these effects dissolve over time. Moreover, acute stress did not boost potential long-term effects of Recall + EM. Degraded memories were not retained better by applying stress. We discuss these results and how long-term effectiveness may still be achieved. We examined whether stress boosts the long-term effects of degraded memories. Dual-task interventions robustly produce immediate memory degrading effects. Immediate memory degrading effects dissolve over time (24h later). The stress manipulation increased cardiovascular/neuroendocrine stress responses. Acute stress did not boost potential long-term effects of dual-task interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin van Schie
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author.
| | | | - Sahaj Kang
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Gaëtan Mertens
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, the Netherlands
| | - Tom Smeets
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, the Netherlands
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Combining the trauma film and fear conditioning paradigms: A theoretical review and meta-analysis with relevance to PTSD. Behav Res Ther 2022; 152:104081. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Kredlow MA, de Voogd LD, Phelps EA. A Case for Translation From the Clinic to the Laboratory. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2022; 17:1120-1149. [PMID: 35245166 DOI: 10.1177/17456916211039852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory procedures have been used for decades as analogues for clinical processes with the goal of improving our understanding of psychological treatments for emotional disorders and identifying strategies to make treatments more effective. This research has often focused on translation from the laboratory to the clinic. Although this approach has notable successes, it has not been seamless. There are many examples of strategies that work in the laboratory that fail to lead to improved outcomes when applied clinically. One possible reason for this gap between experimental and clinical research is a failure to focus on translation from the clinic to the laboratory. Here, we discuss potential benefits of translation from the clinic to the laboratory and provide examples of how this might be implemented. We first consider two well-established laboratory analogues (extinction and cognitive reappraisal), identify critical aspects of the related clinical procedures (exposure and cognitive restructuring) that are missing from these analogues, and propose variations to better capture the clinical process. Second, we discuss two clinical procedures that have more recently been brought into the laboratory (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing and imagery rescripting). We conclude by highlighting potential implications of this proposed shift in focus for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alexandra Kredlow
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University.,Department of Psychology, Harvard University
| | - Lycia D de Voogd
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University and Radboud University Medical Center
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Craske M, Treanor M, Zbozinek T, Vervliet B. Optimizing exposure therapy with an inhibitory retrieval approach and the OptEx Nexus. Behav Res Ther 2022; 152:104069. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Landkroon E, Salemink E, Engelhard IM. Threat memory devaluation by a dual-task intervention: Testing return of fear and intrusive memory over 48 hours. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2021; 72:101639. [PMID: 33639440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2021.101639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In dual-tasking, individuals recall a threat-related memory while performing a demanding dual-task. This is a fruitful approach to reduce the unpleasantness and vividness of aversive memories and to reduce conditioned fear responses. Crucially, it remains unclear whether dual-tasking can also reduce conditioned fear responses and intrusive memories over time. In this pre-registered two-day fear conditioning paradigm, we examined whether a dual-task intervention reduces return of fear and the frequency of intrusive memories of an aversive film over time. METHODS On Day 1, 76 healthy participants underwent fear acquisition with aversive film clips. They were then randomly allocated to one of three conditions: dual-tasking, memory recall without a dual-task ('recall only'), or no task. Afterwards, they underwent an extinction phase and were asked to record intrusive film memories over 48 h. On Day 3, return of fear was assessed. RESULTS On Day 1, fear acquisition and extinction were successful. On Day 3, spontaneous recovery and renewal were evident, but, overall, participants reported few intrusions. The dual-task and recall only groups reported reduced unpleasantness of threat memory compared to the no task group, but they did not show reduced (return of) fear responses or fewer intrusions. LIMITATIONS Intrusion frequency was low in all three groups, which limits the detection of intervention effects. CONCLUSIONS Even though dual-tasking and recall only devalued threat memory temporarily compared to no task, these interventions did not reduce (return of) fear responses and intrusions. Future studies could focus on improving the potency of imagery-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elze Landkroon
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Elske Salemink
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Iris M Engelhard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Lange I, Papalini S, Vervliet B. Experimental models in psychopathology research: The relation between Research Domain Criteria and Experimental Psychopathology. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 41:118-123. [PMID: 34418641 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Experimental Psychopathology (EPP) and the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) are research approaches that have developed in parallel, providing inter-related yet different scientific frameworks to investigate psychopathology at the intersection of fundamental and applied research. Here we address the overlap and differences between RDoC and EPP, and the challenges that both approaches face. Although overlap between EPP and RDoC can be clearly observed, each approach has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. These aspects will be illustrated by examples with respect to fear conditioning, an experimental procedure that has played a central role in both EPP and RDoC. We see much potential in boosting psychopathology research by combining the strengths of these two approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Lange
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Department of Brain and Cognition, KU Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Silvia Papalini
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Department of Brain and Cognition, KU Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Vervliet
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Department of Brain and Cognition, KU Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Psychological and Physiological Effects of Imagery Rescripting for Aversive Autobiographical Memories. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-021-10233-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) is a promising intervention to reduce symptoms associated with aversive memories, but little is known about its working mechanisms. The present study investigates whether ImRs increases perceived mastery and attenuates emotional reactivity to memory retrieval on a subjective and physiological level.
Methods
Seventy-nine individuals reporting memories of distressing real-life events were randomly allocated to ImRs, positive imagery (PI), or no-intervention control (NIC). The memory was reactivated before the intervention and at 1-week follow-up to assess subjective measures and physiological reactivity (heart rate [HR], skin conductance level [SCL], and facial electromyography activity [EMG]) during memory retrieval.
Results
ImRs was superior to PI and NIC on subjective memory distress and helplessness, but not on other emotions. ImRs did not exceed PI and NIC in reducing state stress symptoms or increasing perceived mastery. Physiological reactivity (HR, EMG) decreased from pre-intervention to follow-up with no differences between groups.
Conclusions
Positive effects of ImRs on helplessness and distress were found. Null findings regarding mastery might result from timing of its assessment or the fact that rather high-functioning participants were included. The lack of between group differences on physiological responses indicates that ImRs did not exceed habituation effects in the present sample.
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Lemmens A, Smeets T, Beckers T, Dibbets P. Avoiding at all costs? An exploration of avoidance costs in a novel Virtual Reality procedure. LEARNING AND MOTIVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lmot.2021.101710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Rijkeboer MM, Daemen JJ, Flipse A, Bouwman V, Hagenaars MA. Rescripting experimental trauma: Effects of imagery and writing as a way to reduce the development of intrusive memories. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2020; 67:101478. [PMID: 31072599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Imagery rescripting is an effective treatment strategy for trauma related disorders, but its underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to test whether a) imagery (versus writing) is essential in the process of rescripting, and b) rescripting affects emotional memories on an implicit level. METHODS Healthy participants were subjected to an experimental trauma ('trauma film'), and randomly allocated to four conditions: recall of film + Imagery Rescripting (ImRs), recall of film + Writing Rescripting (WRs), recall only (ImRE), or no recall + no manipulation (NM). Next, participants recorded intrusion frequency and distress during one week, after which they executed a visual interference task (VIT) including neutral and trauma film stills, to access implicit emotional memory. RESULTS Main findings were that ImRs and WRs resulted in fewer intrusions than NM, with no differences between both rescripting conditions. We did not find an effect on intrusion distress and the VIT. LIMITATIONS Stills in the VIT were distracted from all four film scenes, whereas rescripting was done on one scene only, possibly obscuring the effect. Also, an analogue sample was used, which may limit generalizability to clinical samples. CONCLUSIONS We replicated previous effects of ImRs on intrusion development. Furthermore, no superior effect of imagery as key modality for rescripting was found; writing seems a viable alternative. Measures for implicit emotional memory such as the VIT may have to be applied relatively soon after the experimental session (e.g., same day as the experimental session).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen M Rijkeboer
- Maastricht University, Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Jora J Daemen
- Altrecht Health Care Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Annick Flipse
- Altrecht Health Care Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vera Bouwman
- Utrecht University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Muriel A Hagenaars
- Utrecht University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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A review on mental imagery in fear conditioning research 100 years since the ‘Little Albert’ study. Behav Res Ther 2020; 126:103556. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Pittig A, Wong AH, Glück VM, Boschet JM. Avoidance and its bi-directional relationship with conditioned fear: Mechanisms, moderators, and clinical implications. Behav Res Ther 2020; 126:103550. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Landkroon E, Mertens G, Engelhard IM. Devaluation of threat memory using a dual-task intervention does not reduce context renewal of fear. Behav Res Ther 2020; 124:103480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2019.103480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Landkroon E, Mertens G, Sevenster D, Dibbets P, Engelhard IM. Renewal of conditioned fear responses using a film clip as the aversive unconditioned stimulus. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2019; 65:101493. [PMID: 31203173 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2019.101493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigms are valuable to investigate fear learning and the return of extinguished fear in the lab. However, their validity is limited, because the aversive stimuli (e.g., electric shocks) typically lack the modalities and complexity of real-world aversive experiences. To overcome this limitation, we examined fear acquisition, extinction and contextual renewal using an audiovisual unconditioned stimulus (US). METHOD On day 1, 50 healthy participants completed an acquisition phase in a specific context (i.e., desk or bookcase, 'context A'). Pictures of colored lamps served as conditioned stimuli and an aversive film clip was used as US. On day 2, extinction took place in the same context ('context A') or in a different context ('context B'). Afterwards, renewal was tested in the acquisition context (AAA vs. ABA design). RESULTS As hypothesized, fear acquisition and extinction, as measured by US expectancy ratings, fear potentiated startle (FPS), and skin conductance responses (SCRs), were successful. Most importantly, conditioned responding was renewed on all measures in the ABA condition, but not in the AAA condition. Differential renewal (i.e., larger renewal for CS + than for CS-) was only observed for US expectancy ratings. LIMITATIONS The return of conditioned responses was non-differential for FPS and SCR. CONCLUSIONS The current set-up enables investigation of fear renewal using an audiovisual US. Future studies can utilize this paradigm to investigate interventions that aim to reduce fear renewal by modifying the US memory, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and imagery rescripting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elze Landkroon
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Gaëtan Mertens
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dieuwke Sevenster
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Pauline Dibbets
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Iris M Engelhard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Carpenter JK, Pinaire M, Hofmann SG. From Extinction Learning to Anxiety Treatment: Mind the Gap. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9070164. [PMID: 31336700 PMCID: PMC6680899 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9070164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory models of extinction learning in animals and humans have the potential to illuminate methods for improving clinical treatment of fear-based clinical disorders. However, such translational research often neglects important differences between threat responses in animals and fear learning in humans, particularly as it relates to the treatment of clinical disorders. Specifically, the conscious experience of fear and anxiety, along with the capacity to deliberately engage top-down cognitive processes to modulate that experience, involves distinct brain circuitry and is measured and manipulated using different methods than typically used in laboratory research. This paper will identify how translational research that investigates methods of enhancing extinction learning can more effectively model such elements of human fear learning, and how doing so will enhance the relevance of this research to the treatment of fear-based psychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K Carpenter
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd floor, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Megan Pinaire
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd floor, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Stefan G Hofmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd floor, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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