Avoidance and its bi-directional relationship with conditioned fear: Mechanisms, moderators, and clinical implications

Pittig A, Wong AHK, Glueck VM, Boschet JM (2020)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

Behaviour Research and Therapy Elsevier

Book Volume: 126

Article Number: 103550

DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103550

Abstract

Fear motivates different types of defensive behaviors. These behaviors are, however, not mere byproducts of fear. In this review, we highlight a bi-directional relationship between conditioned fear and instrumental defensive behavior in humans. We discuss mechanisms involved in the link from fear to goal-directed avoidance (e.g., relief, generalization), that may become habitual. These defensive behaviors may in turn reduce, preserve, or amplify fear responding (e.g., protection-from-extinction, behavior-as-information). Multiple factors moderate the bi-directional relationship. Evidence for amplifying and dampening effects of inter-individual differences (e.g., trait anxiety, distress tolerance), intra-individual states (e.g., stress), and external factors (e.g., incentives for competing behavior) on goal-directed and/or habitual defensive behavior is reviewed. However, the exact mechanisms by which these factors moderate the bi-directional relationship are still largely unknown (e.g., modulating avoidance directly vs. indirectly via conditioned fear). Finally, we discuss major implications: First, understanding factors moderating the bi-directional relationship provides insights into risk and resilience factors for anxious psychopathology. Second, specific experimental models and clinical interventions can be mapped onto distinct defensive behaviors (e.g., goal-directed vs. habitual avoidance). More precise matching will help to develop nuanced models and interventions to reduce pathological behaviors and individualize treatments.

Authors with CRIS profile

Andre Pittig Professorship for Translational Psychotherapy

Related research project(s)

Decision conflicts in anxiety: Experimental mechanisms of approach-avoidance conflicts and their clinical relevance for anxiety disorders (DCA) May 1, 2018 - May 1, 2021

Involved external institutions

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Pittig, A., Wong, A.H.K., Glueck, V.M., & Boschet, J.M. (2020). Avoidance and its bi-directional relationship with conditioned fear: Mechanisms, moderators, and clinical implications. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 126. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2020.103550

MLA:

Pittig, Andre, et al. "Avoidance and its bi-directional relationship with conditioned fear: Mechanisms, moderators, and clinical implications." Behaviour Research and Therapy 126 (2020).

BibTeX: Download