Fear-potentiated Startle
We use a fear conditioning model and tools in psychophysiology to measure emotion
regulation. Fear conditioning is based on a simple Pavlovian conditioning model in
which a neutral conditioned stimulus (CS, i.e., a shape presented on a computer screen)
is paired with an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US, i.e., a forceful airblast directed
at the throat). After a number of pairings, the association is formed so that the
CS alone elicits the conditioned response (CR, i.e., a fear response). This basic
model is used in animal as well as human research to investigate mechanisms of fear
learning and memory. In fear-potentiated startle (FPS), the magnitude of the startle
reflex increases during aversive CS presentations.
We will use a fear discrimination paradigm that measures startle amplitude in the
presence of a reinforced conditioned stimulus (CS+) that is paired with a US, as well
as during exposure to a nonreinforced conditioned stimulus (CS-) that is never paired
with a US. The use of the nonreinforced CS-, which serves as a safety cue, allows
us to experimentally test differences in safety signal processing (emotion regulation)
between experimental groups. Hence, the FPS discrimination paradigm is an extremely
powerful paradigm for studying the mechanisms of fear learning and memory. It allows
for stringent experimental control over the delivery of aversive stimuli, and the
fear responses can be easily quantified.
