NCJ Number
220082
Journal
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 237-251
Date Published
September 2007
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study investigated reinstatement of conditioned responding in human classical conditioning using a differential fear conditioning paradigm.
Abstract
Study findings provided support for reinstatement of conditioned responses in a human differential fear conditioning paradigm. As expected the reinstatement group showed reinstatement of unconditioned stimulus (US)-expectancy while a similar return of conditioned responses was not present in the control group. In the fear ratings a similar pattern was observed. In addition, and in line with previous findings, it was found that the more negative the conditioned stimuli (CS) remained after extinction, the more return of conditioned responding was observed. Reinstatement is described as the return of conditioned responses due to the experience of one or more unexpected USs after extinction. Participants were 45 women who were first year psychology students. The experiment consisted of five phases: a stimulus-selection phase, and acquisition phase, and extinction phase, a reinstatement phase, and a test phase. Clinical implications and suggestions for further research are discussed. Table, figures, and references