The Influence of Subclinical Panic and Sex on Overgeneralisation of Fear

Abstract

Fear overgeneralisation, the transfer of fear to harmless stimuli which are similar to the stimuli one learned to fear, is a main characteristic of anxiety disorders (AD) and panic disorder (PD), one of the most disabling ADs. Until now, it is uncertain whether such overgeneralisation predisposes for or evolves through ADs. This study investigated whether experiencing subclinical panic and being a woman, which are risk factors for AD and PD, increases fear overgeneralisation. It was expected that people with high versus low subclinical panic show more fear generalisation. Second, it was hypothesised that women display more overgeneralisation of fear than men, as women report more characteristics which are associated with fear overgeneralisation. Ninety-one participants encountered a generalisation paradigm consisting of circles gradually increasing in size. Either the smallest or largest circle was paired with an electrical stimulation, signalling threat, whereas the other was not, signalling safety. The intermediate circles functioned as generalisation stimuli. Fear generalisation to each circle was measured through fear potentiated startle (FPS), risk, and anxiety ratings. No significant effect of subclinical panic on fear overgeneralisation was found. Women did not show higher FPS, but higher risk ratings to more generalisation stimuli than men. These findings suggests that future prevention measures for PD should focus on different factors than decreasing fear generalisation. However, women might benefit from training in accurately evaluating presence of threat.