UNASSIGNED: Theoretical models specifying the underlying mechanisms of the development and maintenance of @entity148 and @entity74 state that fear responses acquired through classical Pavlovian conditioning are maintained by repeated avoidance behaviour; thus, it is assumed that avoidance prevents fear extinction. The present study investigated behavioural avoidance decisions as a function of avoidance costs in a naturalistic fear conditioning paradigm. Ecologically valid avoidance costs - manipulated between @entity1 groups - were represented via time-delays during a detour in a gamified computer task. After differential acquisitions of shock-expectancy to a predictive conditioned stimulus (CS+), @entity1 underwent extinction where they could either take a risky shortcut, while anticipating shock signaled by the CS+, or choose a costly avoidance option (lengthy detour); thus, they were faced with an approach-avoidance conflict. Groups with higher avoidance costs (longer detours) showed lower proportions of avoiders. Avoiders gave heightened shock-expectancy ratings post-extinction, demonstrating 'protecting from extinction', i.e. failure to extinguish. Moreover, there was an indirect effect of avoidance costs on protection from extinction through avoidance behaviour. No moderating role of trait- @entity148 was found. Theoretical implications of avoidance behaviour are discussed, considering the involvement of instrumental learning in the maintenance of fear responses.

Higher threat avoidance costs reduce avoidance behaviour which in turn promotes fear extinction in XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['participant', 'participants'] @entity148 :: ('MESH:D001008', 'Disease') :: ['anxiety'] @entity74 :: ('MESH:D030342', 'Disease') :: ['related disorders']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['humans']
