Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Neuroimaging the temporal dynamics of human avoidance to sustained threat
Michael W Schlund1, Caleb D Hudgins, Sandy Magee
1Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, Denton, TX PO Box 310919, USA; Department of Behavioral Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
This study found that brain activity during sustained threat is phasic, not sustained, in key avoidance networks. High experiential avoidance correlates with reduced threat reactivity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Avoidance is a transdiagnostic factor in psychopathology, linked to frontal-limbic-striatal brain networks.
- Temporal dynamics of these networks during sustained threat and avoidance are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal brain network dynamics supporting sustained avoidance behavior under threat.
- To explore the relationship between trait experiential avoidance and neural responses to threat.
Main Methods:
- 17 adults trained on a button-press avoidance task to prevent monetary loss during sustained threat.
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) used to measure brain activity during task performance.
Main Results:
- Phasic, not sustained, activation observed in frontal, cingulate, striatal, and emotion-related regions (amygdala, insula) during sustained threat.
- Trait experiential avoidance negatively correlated with activation in the insula, hippocampus, and amygdala.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge of consistent avoidance does not reduce threat-related neural responses.
- Higher experiential avoidance is associated with diminished reactivity to initial threat cues.
