Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Disrupting Reconsolidation of Fear Memory in Humans by a Noradrenergic β-Blocker
Published on: December 18, 2014
Fear generalization in humans: Impact of prior non-fearful experiences
Bram Vervliet1, Merel Kindt, Debora Vansteenwegen
1Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. b.vervliet@uva.nl
Abstract:
Fear generalization lies at the heart of many anxiety problems, and is therefore an important target for prevention and/or treatment. Here, we investigated whether fear generalization towards a specific stimulus can be weakened by prior non-fearful experiences with that stimulus. Using the standard human fear conditioning procedure, all participants received paired presentations of a geometric figure and an electric shock. This was followed by a test phase in which a similar but different figure was presented. Electrodermal responding and ratings of shock-expectancy measured the level of fear generalization towards this test stimulus. Crucially, half of the participants had been preexposed to that stimulus (without shock). The results show significantly less generalization in this group, suggesting that prior non-fearful experiences can protect against fear generalization. These results may inspire novel ways to prevent the development of clinical anxiety.
Related Concept Videos
Preparedness and Phobias
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Classical Conditioning in Daily Life
John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner famously demonstrated the development of fear through classical conditioning in their experiment with Little Albert. They paired the...
Avoidance Learning and Learned Helplessness
Avoidance learning occurs when an organism learns that a specific behavior can prevent an unpleasant outcome. For example, a student who receives a bad grade may start studying harder to avoid future poor grades. This behavior persists even when the negative outcome is no longer present. Avoidance learning is powerful because it maintains behavior in the absence of the...
Social Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder

