Emotional processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information
Emotions are represented by information structures in memory; anxiety occurs when information structure to escape/avoid danger is activated.
Article Abstract
“Contends that emotions are represented by information structures in memory, and anxiety occurs when an information structure that serves as program to escape or avoid danger is activated. Emotional processing (EMP) is defined as the modification of memory structures that underlie emotions. It is argued that some form of exposure to feared situations is common to many psychotherapies for anxiety and that confrontation with feared objects or situations is an effective treatment. Physiological activation and habituation within and across exposure sessions are cited as indicators of EMP, and variables that influence activation and habituation of fear responses are examined. These variables and the indicators are analyzed to yield an account of what information must be integrated for EMP of a fear structure. The elements of such a structure are viewed as cognitive representations of the stimulus characteristic of the fear situation, the individual’s responses in it, and aspects of its meaning for the individual. Treatment failures are interpreted with respect to the interference of cognitive defenses, autonomic arousal, mood state, and erroneous ideation with reformation of targeted fear structures. Implications for therapeutic practice and the study of psychopathology are discussed.”
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Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information. Psychological Bulletin, 99(1), 20–35. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.99.1.20
Date
January 1, 1986
Creator(s)
Edna B. Foa, Michael J. Kozak
Topics
Anxiety/Panic/Phobias
Extent
16 pages
Publisher
American Psychological Association
Rights
Copyright © 1986, American Psychological Association
APA Citation
Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information. Psychological Bulletin, 99(1), 20–35. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.99.1.20
Audience
Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Article, Peer-Reviewed
Access Type
External Resource