Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Neural evidence that the behavioral inhibition system is involved in existential threat processing
Johannes Klackl1, Eva Jonas1, Immo Fritsche2
1a Department of Psychology , University of Salzburg , Salzburg , Austria.
None:
According to threat-general perspectives, existentially threatening prospects such as the inevitability of mortality or uncontrollability represent motivational discrepancies that activate the behavioral inhibition system (BIS). The aim of the present paper is to test this claim using neuroimaging and neurophysiological methods. In Study 1, we used neuroimaging to show that both mortality- and uncontrollability-related stimuli elicit activation in the anterior cingulate cortex, which is a key BIS region in humans. Focusing on the idea that BIS activation is associated with increased attention, Study 2 used electroencephalography to demonstrate that both mortality- and uncontrollability-related stimuli enhanced the late positive potential, an indicator of motivated attention. Together, these studies provide support for the model's prediction that existential threat activates the BIS.
Related Concept Videos
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
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...
Preparedness and Phobias
Instinct Theory
Psychological Responses to Stress
Need for Self-Esteem

