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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Extinction Training During the Reconsolidation Window Prevents Recovery of Fear

Extinction Training During the Reconsolidation Window Prevents Recovery of Fear

Published on: August 24, 2012

Vicarious extinction learning during reconsolidation neutralizes fear memory.

Armita Golkar¹, Cathelijn Tjaden², Merel Kindt²

¹Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Nobels väg 11, Solna, Sweden; University of Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Psychology, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

|March 14, 2017

Summary

Vicarious extinction learning during memory reconsolidation effectively updated long-term fear memories. This model-based safety learning prevented fear memory recovery, offering potential for enhanced anxiolytic therapies.

Keywords:

Fear-potentiated startle Reconsolidation Return of fear Vicarious extinction

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Published on: January 5, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Psychology

Background:

Fear memories can be updated during recall through reconsolidation.
Model-based safety learning, such as vicarious extinction, can prevent short-term fear memory recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if consolidated long-term fear memories can be updated using safety learning via vicarious extinction within the reconsolidation window.
To assess the efficacy of this technique in preventing fear memory recovery.

Main Methods:

A three-day within-subject fear-conditioning design was used with 19 participants.
Fear was conditioned to stimuli (CSs) paired with shock (US).
Fear memory was reactivated before vicarious extinction training, with fear-potentiated startle measured.

Main Results:

Vicarious extinction training within the reconsolidation window significantly prevented the recovery of reactivated fear memories (p = 0.03).
Responses to non-reactivated cues remained unaffected (p = 0.62).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that safety learning during memory reconsolidation can update long-term fear memories.
Model-based exposure techniques show promise for improving the effectiveness and longevity of anxiety treatments.