It’s all in the anticipation: How perception of threat is enhanced in anxiety.

• DOI: 10.1037/emo0000098
• Publication Date: 2015-10-20T09:14:01Z
• Authors: Tamara J. Sussman; Akos Szekely; Greg Hajcak; Aprajita Mohanty
• Keywords: Anticipation (artificial intelligence); Trait anxiety; Cued speech; Anxiety sensitivity; Attentional Bias

The importance of top-down factors such as goals and expectations is well-established in both visual perception anxiety. However, researchers have attributed the perceptual prioritization threatening stimuli anxiety to bottom-up, automatic processing these while neglecting role prestimulus, factors. Furthermore, different kinds (dispositional versus induced) impact cognitive functions differently, suggesting that may distinct effects on threat perception. In present study, we examined whether prestimulus representations facilitate depending induced trait Two groups participants completed a cued discrimination task using or neutral cues identify subsequently presented fearful faces, degraded each participant's threshold. Group 1, shock (n = 22; 12 men), whereas 2, no was 29; 7 men). interacted with Following fear cues, higher associated improved sensitivity faster reaction time under shock, worse slower absence shock. findings represent an important advance literature because they elucidate previously ignored for individuals varying levels highlight types stimuli. underline including future conceptualizations bias toward