Contextual fear-potentiated startle conditioning in humans: Replication and extension

Citation
R. Ameli et al., Contextual fear-potentiated startle conditioning in humans: Replication and extension, PSYCHOPHYSL, 38(3), 2001, pp. 383-390
Citations number
40
Categorie Soggetti
Psycology,"Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY
ISSN journal
00485772 → ACNP
Volume
38
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
383 - 390
Database
ISI
SICI code
0048-5772(200105)38:3<383:CFSCIH>2.0.ZU;2-S
Abstract
Contextual fear conditioning was examined using the startle reflex in two g roups of participants over two sessions separated by 1/2 h. The conditioned stimulus (CS) was paired (paired group) or not (unpaired group) with an un pleasant shock during conditioning. The paired group showed conditioning to the CS that was well retained over the retention interval. Session 1 inter trial interval startles-a measure of contextual conditioning-were greater i n the unpaired compared to the paired group. Context conditioning was retai ned in Session 2 and was present before the shock electrodes were attached. Self-rating of state anxiety, arousal, and pleasure indicated differential changes in mood from Session 1 to Session 2 in the two groups, with the un paired group showing relatively greater negative affects compared to the pa ired group. These results indicate that unpredictable shocks lead to greate r context conditioning as measured by startle and self-reports.