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Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
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Threat-induced anxiety weakens inhibitory control
Ariel D Roxburgh1, Matthew E Hughes1, Brian R Cornwell1
1Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.
Biological Psychology
|April 5, 2019
Summary
Anxiety impairs inhibitory control, as shown by slower responses in the stop-signal task (SST) under threat. This contrasts with some findings on the go/nogo task, highlighting differences in how anxiety affects cognitive control.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- Anxiety is known to affect cognitive control, particularly inhibitory functioning.
- Some studies report enhanced response inhibition in anxiety states using go/nogo tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between anticipatory anxiety and inhibitory control using the stop-signal task (SST).
- To reconcile conflicting findings on anxiety's impact on response inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Forty-five participants completed the SST under conditions of threat (unpredictable shocks) and safety.
- Physiological activity, including skin conductance and heart rate, was monitored.
- Stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) and choice reaction times were measured.
Main Results:
- Participants exhibited increased physiological activity during the threat condition.
- Stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) was significantly prolonged under threat compared to safe conditions.
- No significant differences were observed in choice reaction times to go stimuli.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the notion that anxiety impairs inhibitory control, as evidenced by reduced stopping efficiency in the SST.
- Differences in task demands between the SST and go/nogo tasks may explain discrepant findings on anxiety and response inhibition.
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