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Related Experiment Videos

Imagery in human classical conditioning

M R Dadds1, D H Bovbjerg, W H Redd

  • 1School of Psychology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia. m.dadds@hbs.gu.edu.au

Psychological Bulletin
|July 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary
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Mental imagery can influence classical conditioning outcomes in humans, potentially maintaining phobic and posttrauma reactions. Further research into imagery

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Clinical treatments for phobic and posttrauma reactions often utilize patient imagery.
  • The role of mental imagery in maintaining conditioned behaviors has been underexplored.
  • Classical conditioning principles are fundamental to understanding learned responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the premise that mental images can potentiate and substitute for physical stimuli in human classical conditioning.
  • To review empirical evidence on the role of imagery in classical conditioning processes.
  • To explore the implications for anxiety and trauma reactions.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of empirical evidence concerning mental imagery in classical conditioning.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of the role of conditioned stimuli (CS) and unconditioned stimuli (US) imagery during different conditioning phases (pre-exposure, pairing, extinction).
  • Consideration of advances in measuring mental imagery.

    • Main Results:

    • Evidence suggests mental imagery can facilitate or diminish the outcomes of human classical conditioning.
    • Tentative evidence indicates mental images may substitute for actual US and CS in autonomic conditioning.
    • Imagery plays a role across various stages of classical conditioning.

    Conclusions:

    • Mental imagery is a significant factor in classical conditioning, with implications for clinical applications.
    • Further research utilizing advanced imagery measurement techniques is warranted.
    • Understanding imagery's role can enhance treatments for anxiety and trauma-related disorders.