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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Can different types of anxiety states be differentiated electrodermally?
Abstract:
Increased electrodermal spontaneous fluctuation and decreased skin conductance OR recovery time were related to short duration increases in test anxiety. These electrodermal indices were unrelated to long-term worry associated with an impending stressful event. Amplitudes of responses were not related to short-term (or test) anxiety. Amplitude of the startle response was found to increase over a period of one week, as anxiety provoking events approached, where the subjects were in a position of helplessness. However, when an effective coping was subjectively perceived, 'startle response' appeared to be 'inhibited' to a significant degree. Amplitude of startle response may be a useful index for monitoring subjective 'worry' versus 'coping'.

