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The effects of safety behavior availability versus utilization on inhibitory learning during exposure
Joshua J Kemp1, Shannon M Blakey2, Kate B Wolitzky-Taylor3
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|February 15, 2019
Summary
Safety behavior availability (SBA) interferes with inhibitory learning during exposure therapy for claustrophobia compared to safety behavior utilization (SBU). SBA hinders fear reduction and lowers self-efficacy, impacting treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Anxiety Disorders
Background:
- Exposure therapy is a cornerstone for treating phobias, including claustrophobia.
- Safety behaviors are often used during exposure but their impact on learning is debated.
- Distinguishing between availability and utilization of safety behaviors is crucial for understanding treatment mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-analyze data comparing safety behavior availability (SBA) and safety behavior utilization (SBU) in exposure therapy.
- To assess the differential impact of SBA versus SBU on inhibitory learning.
- To examine changes in danger expectancy and coping self-efficacy during a single-session treatment for claustrophobia.
Main Methods:
- Re-analysis of data from a previous study on claustrophobia.
- A single-session exposure therapy protocol in a claustrophobia chamber.
- Thirty-nine participants with claustrophobia underwent six 5-minute exposure trials.
- Comparison of inhibitory learning rates between SBA and SBU conditions.
Main Results:
- Participants in the SBA condition showed greater interference with inhibitory learning.
- Danger expectancy was higher and decreased slower in the SBA group compared to the SBU group.
- Coping self-efficacy was lower in the SBA group, with similar rates of change across trials.
Conclusions:
- Safety behavior availability may impede the inhibitory learning process in exposure therapy.
- SBU appears more conducive to fear reduction and enhancing self-efficacy than SBA.
- Clinical strategies should consider promoting safety behavior utilization over mere availability for improved treatment outcomes.
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