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Extinction Training During the Reconsolidation Window Prevents Recovery of Fear
Published on: August 24, 2012
Durable effects of cognitive restructuring on conditioned fear
Ashley A Shurick1, Jeffrey R Hamilton, Lasana T Harris
1Department of Psychology, Stanford University, USA.
Emotion (Washington, D.C.)
|July 11, 2012
Summary
Cognitive restructuring (CR) effectively reduces conditioned fear responses. These emotion regulation effects persist for at least 24 hours, demonstrating durable fear attenuation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Cognitive reappraisal alters emotional responses, but durable effects are understudied.
- Cognitive restructuring (CR) in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) shows promise for anxiety, based on cognitive theories.
- Durable emotion regulation effects lack thorough examination in laboratory settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if CR can reduce conditioned fear.
- To determine if CR's fear-reducing effects are durable over 24 hours.
Main Methods:
- Participants underwent fear conditioning with snake/spider images and mild shocks, reporting fear and undergoing electrodermal activity (EDA) measurement.
- Half received CR training; the other half served as controls.
- Fear responses and EDA were reassessed 24 hours later.
Main Results:
- CR participants showed reduced subjective fear and EDA compared to controls.
- The fear-attenuating effects of CR persisted 24 hours post-training.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive restructuring (CR) effectively reduces conditioned fear responses.
- CR demonstrates durable effects on fear responding, persisting over 24 hours.
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