Social and monetary incentives counteract fear-driven avoidance: Evidence from approach-avoidance decisions
Pittig A, Hengen K, Bublatzky F, Alpers GW (2018)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2018
Journal
Book Volume: 60
Pages Range: 69-77
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.04.002
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The reduction of avoidance behavior is a central target in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but it has rarely been studied how approach of fear-relevant stimuli may be initiated. In two studies, the impact of hypothetical monetary and symbolic social incentives on approach-avoidance behavior was examined. Methods: In Study 1, individuals high or low on fear of spiders (N = 84) could choose to approach a fear-relevant versus a neutral stimulus, which were equally rewarded. In a subsequent micro-intervention, approaching the fear-relevant stimulus was differentially rewarded either by monetary or social incentives. In Study 2 (N = 76), initial incentives for approach were discontinued to investigate the stability of approach. Results: Hypothetical monetary and symbolic social incentives reduced or eliminated initial avoidance, even in highly fearful individuals. Approach resulted in a decrease of self-reported aversiveness towards the fear-relevant stimulus. However, even after successful approach, fearful individuals showed significant avoidance behavior when incentives for approach were discontinued. Limitations: Future research should investigate the long-term effects of prolonged approach incentives on multiple levels of fear (e.g., self-report, behavioral, physiological). It should also be tested if such an intervention actually improves compliance with exposure based interventions. Conclusions: The present findings highlight that incentives are useful to initiate initial approach towards a feared stimulus. Although incentive-based approach may neither fully eliminate avoidance nor negative feelings towards the feared stimulus, such operant interventions may set the stage for more extensive extinction training.
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Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Pittig, A., Hengen, K., Bublatzky, F., & Alpers, G.W. (2018). Social and monetary incentives counteract fear-driven avoidance: Evidence from approach-avoidance decisions. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 60, 69-77. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.04.002
MLA:
Pittig, Andre, et al. "Social and monetary incentives counteract fear-driven avoidance: Evidence from approach-avoidance decisions." Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry 60 (2018): 69-77.
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