Using virtual reality to study spatial mapping and threat learning

Using spatial mapping processes to discriminate between threat and safety is crucial for survival. Little is known why some fail to discriminate during contextual conditioning. We used a virtual reality (VR) contextual conditioning paradigm to elucidate the effects of state and trait anxiety on contextual threat learning. Participants (n = 70) "picked" flowers in a VR environment. Dangerous zone flowers predicted an electric shock, while safe zone flowers did not. Between trials, participants completed a spatial memory task. Galvanic skin response (GSR) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory scores were recorded. Participants were considered learners for correctly identifying both zones. Non-learners, compared to learners, performed worse during the spatial memory task and demonstrated higher state anxiety scores and GSR. Learners showed higher skin conductance response (SCR) in the dangerous compared to the safe zone, while non-learners showed no SCR differences between zones. Results indicate state anxiety may impair spatial mapping, disrupting contextual threat learning.