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Fear generalization predicts post-traumatic stress symptoms: A two-year follow-up study in Dutch fire fighters.
Lommen, Miriam J J; Hoekstra, Steven; van den Brink, Rob H S; Lenaert, Bert.
Afiliação
  • Lommen MJJ; Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, the Netherlands. Electronic address: m.j.j.lommen@rug.nl.
  • Hoekstra S; GGZ Drenthe Mental Health Institute, the Netherlands.
  • van den Brink RHS; Department of Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
  • Lenaert B; Department of Life Span Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Open University, Heerlen, the Netherlands; Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
J Anxiety Disord ; 103: 102855, 2024 Apr.
Article em En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38484507
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

Excessive fear generalization has been associated with pathological anxiety, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, studies investigating the longitudinal relationship between generalization and the development of anxiety symptomatology are scarce. This study aims to test the predictive value of fear generalization for PTSD symptoms in a high-risk profession sample and to explore the relationship between generalization and neuroticism, which are both linked to PTSD.

METHOD:

Longitudinal data from a multi-wave study in 529 Dutch fire-fighters were used. Fear generalization, PTSD symptoms and neuroticism were assessed at baseline. PTSD symptoms were reevaluated at six, 12, 18, and 24 months. Generalization was assessed in a differential conditioning paradigm by measuring expectancies of an aversive outcome when presented with stimuli similar to previously conditioned stimuli.

RESULTS:

Higher expectancy ratings towards stimuli most similar to safety signals predicted PTSD symptoms at follow-up after controlling for baseline PTSD symptoms, whereas higher expectancy ratings towards stimuli most similar to danger signals was associated with neuroticism. Neuroticism weakened the predictive power of fear generalization when considered simultaneously.

DISCUSSION:

These findings suggest that heightened fear generalization is associated with the development of anxiety and trauma-related symptoms. Targeting problematic fear generalization may be a promising intervention approach.
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Texto completo: 1 Coleções: 01-internacional Base de dados: MEDLINE Assunto principal: Transtornos de Estresse Pós-Traumáticos / Bombeiros Limite: Humans Idioma: En Revista: J Anxiety Disord Assunto da revista: PSIQUIATRIA Ano de publicação: 2024 Tipo de documento: Article

Texto completo: 1 Coleções: 01-internacional Base de dados: MEDLINE Assunto principal: Transtornos de Estresse Pós-Traumáticos / Bombeiros Limite: Humans Idioma: En Revista: J Anxiety Disord Assunto da revista: PSIQUIATRIA Ano de publicação: 2024 Tipo de documento: Article