The effects of safety behavior availability versus utilization on inhibitory learning during exposure. Issue 6 (2nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kemp, Joshua J.; Blakey, Shannon M.; Wolitzky-Taylor, Kate B.; Sy, Jennifer T.; Deacon, Brett J.
• Is Part Of: Cognitive behaviour therapy. Volume 48:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 517
• Page End: 528
• Publication Date: 2019-11-02
• Subjects: Exposure therapy -- safety behaviors -- inhibitory learning theory; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2019.1574312
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1650-6073

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study re-analyzes data from Sy and colleagues (2011; Behaviour Research and Therapy, 49, 305–314) comparing safety behavior availability (SBA) to safety behavior utilization (SBU) during exposure therapy for claustrophobic concerns. The present investigation assessed differential rates of inhibitory learning (i.e. change in danger expectancy and coping self-efficacy) between SBA and SBU before, during, and after a single-session treatment. Thirty-nine participants with marked claustrophobic fear completed six consecutive 5-minute exposure trials in a claustrophobia chamber. Participants in the SBA condition exhibited more interference with inhibitory learning relative to the SBU condition. Danger expectancy was significantly higher in the SBA group and decreased at a markedly slower rate across exposure trials relative to SBU. Coping self-efficacy was also significantly lower among participants in the SBA condition, although groups demonstrated similar rates of change across trials. Limitations, clinical implications, and future directions are discussed.