Differential impact of threat type on defensive motivation and attention during the NPU-threat task
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Differential impact of threat type on defensive motivation and attention during the NPU‑threat task Rachel A. Ferry1 · Brady D. Nelson1
© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract The (un)predictability of threat influences anticipatory emotional and motivational states. However, few investigations have examined the impact of threat type on defensive motivation. Two within-subject studies (total N = 134) examined defense motivation (startle reflex) and attentional engagement (probe N100, P300) in anticipation of shock and an aversive noise (scream) during a no, predictable, and unpredictable threat (NPU-threat) task. In Study 1, startle was potentiated for unpredictable shock and scream, but potentiation was greater for shock. Startle was potentiated for predictable shock but attenuated for predictable scream. In Study 2, the scream was paired with a scared female face. Startle was potentiated for both predictable and unpredictable shock and scream. The probe N100 was enhanced during unpredictable threat and the probe P300 was suppressed during both predictable and unpredictable threat. The present study suggests that threat type impacts unpredictable (but not predictable) defensive motivation but not attentional engagement. Moreover, predictable auditory aversive stimuli need a paired visual stimulus to enhance defensive motivation. Keywords Event-related potentials · Startle reflex · Threat · Unpredictability
Study 1 Introduction The (un)predictability of aversive and threatening stimuli is an important characteristic that impacts emotional and motivational states. Research has indicated that unpredictable, compared to predictable, threat increases attention, behavioral avoidance, defensive motivation, and subjective distress (Dunsmoor et al. 2008; Grillon et al. 2004; Shankman et al. 2011). Indeed, enhanced emotional reactivity in anticipation of unpredictable threat is inherently adaptive and aids in fight, flight, or immobilization efforts that have evolved to promote survival. For example, increased defensive preparedness while traversing unexplored jungle terrain known to contain venomous snakes could prepare an individual for such an encounter. Anticipatory emotional and motivational states, however, can exceed the true nature and severity of threat and in turn * Brady D. Nelson [email protected] 1
Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794‑2500, USA
become maladaptive (Rosen and Schulkin 1998). Indeed, highly anxious individuals are often characterized by a tendency to interpret ambiguous settings as threatening, which can lead to avoidance of potential uncertain or unpredictable situations. For example, an individual with panic disorder might interpret an unexpected change in their heart rate as indicating an impending heart attack, and in turn avoid situations that might lead to changes in cardiovascular activity. Increased emotional reactivity in anticipation of unpredictable threat has been implicated as
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