The effect of information seeking behaviors in fear control.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Individuals experiencing conditioned fear reactions often resort to avoidance and escape behaviors as attempts to decrease fear. Nevertheless, these strategies are not always available. In such cases, people seek information to mitigate aversive events. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of information seeking behaviors on self-reported fear, predictability, and physiological responses. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. In group one, individuals were given the choice to perform an instrumental behavior which provided information about the occurrence of either an aversive or a neutral event (100% contingency). In group two, individuals were also allowed to perform an instrumental behavior. However, such behavior provided partial information (50% contingency). RESULTS: Individuals in group one presented lower levels of fear compared to individuals assigned to group two. LIMITATIONS: The generalizability of the results may be restricted to undergraduate students. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggests that when avoidance and escape are not available, individuals seek information that provides control over fear. Clinical implications are discussed.