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
The cost of fear: Impairments of decision-making in specific phobia
Ulrike Senftleben1, Esther Seidl2, Lieselotte Leonhardt1
1Faculty of Psychology, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Germany.
Background:
Decision-making processes may play a pivotal role in the etiology and maintenance of specific phobia. However, empirical evidence is limited. This study examined whether decision-making is only impaired in presence of fear-related stimuli or whether general impairments exist but are more pronounced in the presence of fear-related stimuli. Further, we examine which components of the decision-making process might be impaired.
Methods:
We examined a spider phobia group (SP, n = 109) relative to matched healthy controls (HC, n = 81) using a virtual decision game. To tap the approach-avoidance-conflict, either a fear-related version (using spiders) or a non-phobic version of the task was used in a between-subjects design to measure how the presence of fear-related or non-phobic stimuli was associated with optimal decision-making (collecting rewards). Based on drift diffusion modelling, underlying decision-making processes such as processing ability and cautiousness were investigated.
Results:
No clear evidence for general impairments of decision-making for SP participants relative to HC in the absence of fear-related stimuli was found, but a strong phobia-specific impairment when fear-related stimuli were present. These avoidant decisions were associated with a reduced ability to process the optimal choice option and increased cautiousness in the SP group.
Conclusions:
Decision-making processes in specific phobia are specifically impaired in the presence of fear-related stimuli, which might contribute to maladaptive, costly avoidance behavior.
More Related Videos
07:42An Automated T-maze Based Apparatus and Protocol for Analyzing Delay- and Effort-based Decision Making in Free Moving Rodents
Published on: August 2, 2018
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
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
Frustration and Conflict: Avoidance-Avoidance, Double-Approach Avoidance
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder