2005 |
Olsson, A The role of social groups in the persistence of learned fear Journal Article Science, 309 (5735), pp. 785–787, 2005, ISSN: 0036-8075. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: @article{Olsson2005, title = {The role of social groups in the persistence of learned fear}, author = {A Olsson}, doi = {10.1126/science.1113551}, issn = {0036-8075}, year = {2005}, date = {2005-07-01}, journal = {Science}, volume = {309}, number = {5735}, pages = {785--787}, abstract = {Classical fear conditioning investigates how animals learn to associate environmental stimuli with an aversive event. We examined how the mechanisms of fear conditioning apply when humans learn to associate social ingroup and outgroup members with a fearful event, with the goal of advancing our understanding of basic learning theory and social group interaction. Primates more readily associate stimuli from certain fear-relevant natural categories, such as snakes, with a negative outcome relative to stimuli from fear-irrelevant categories, such as birds. We assessed whether this bias in fear conditioning extends to social groups defined by race. Our results indicate that individuals from a racial group other than one's own are more readily associated with an aversive stimulus than individuals of one's own race, among both white and black Americans. This prepared fear response might be reduced by close, positive interracial contact.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Classical fear conditioning investigates how animals learn to associate environmental stimuli with an aversive event. We examined how the mechanisms of fear conditioning apply when humans learn to associate social ingroup and outgroup members with a fearful event, with the goal of advancing our understanding of basic learning theory and social group interaction. Primates more readily associate stimuli from certain fear-relevant natural categories, such as snakes, with a negative outcome relative to stimuli from fear-irrelevant categories, such as birds. We assessed whether this bias in fear conditioning extends to social groups defined by race. Our results indicate that individuals from a racial group other than one's own are more readily associated with an aversive stimulus than individuals of one's own race, among both white and black Americans. This prepared fear response might be reduced by close, positive interracial contact. |
Öhman, A Conditioned fear of a face: A prelude to ethnic enmity? Journal Article Science, 309 (5735), pp. 711–713, 2005, ISSN: 0036-8075. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: @article{Ohman2005, title = {Conditioned fear of a face: A prelude to ethnic enmity?}, author = {A \"{O}hman}, doi = {10.1126/science.1116710}, issn = {0036-8075}, year = {2005}, date = {2005-07-01}, journal = {Science}, volume = {309}, number = {5735}, pages = {711--713}, abstract = {In his Perspective, \"{O}hman discusses a study that examines human fear responses (Olsson et al.). Our conditioned fear response to snakes and spiders--one of avoidance--is the same as our response to a person who is not of the same race. This may help our understanding of intergroup violence.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } In his Perspective, Öhman discusses a study that examines human fear responses (Olsson et al.). Our conditioned fear response to snakes and spiders--one of avoidance--is the same as our response to a person who is not of the same race. This may help our understanding of intergroup violence. |
Juth, P; Lundqvist, D; Karlsson, A; Öhman, A Looking for foes and friends: Perceptual and emotional factors when finding a face in the crowd Journal Article Emotion, 5 (4), pp. 379–395, 2005, ISSN: 1931-1516. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: @article{Juth2005, title = {Looking for foes and friends: Perceptual and emotional factors when finding a face in the crowd}, author = {P Juth and D Lundqvist and A Karlsson and A \"{O}hman}, doi = {10.1037/1528-3542.5.4.379}, issn = {1931-1516}, year = {2005}, date = {2005-01-01}, journal = {Emotion}, volume = {5}, number = {4}, pages = {379--395}, abstract = {In a face-in-the-crowd setting, the authors examined visual search for photographically reproduced happy, angry, and fearful target faces among neutral distractor faces in 3 separate experiments. Contrary to the hypothesis, happy targets were consistently detected more quickly and accurately than angry and fearful targets, as were directed compared with averted targets. There was no consistent effect of social anxiety. A facial emotion recognition experiment suggested that the happy search advantage could be due to the ease of processing happy faces. In the final experiment with perceptually controlled schematic faces, the authors reported more effective detection of angry than happy faces. This angry advantage was most obvious for highly socially anxious individuals when their social fear was experimentally enhanced.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } In a face-in-the-crowd setting, the authors examined visual search for photographically reproduced happy, angry, and fearful target faces among neutral distractor faces in 3 separate experiments. Contrary to the hypothesis, happy targets were consistently detected more quickly and accurately than angry and fearful targets, as were directed compared with averted targets. There was no consistent effect of social anxiety. A facial emotion recognition experiment suggested that the happy search advantage could be due to the ease of processing happy faces. In the final experiment with perceptually controlled schematic faces, the authors reported more effective detection of angry than happy faces. This angry advantage was most obvious for highly socially anxious individuals when their social fear was experimentally enhanced. |
Lundqvist, D; Öhman, A Caught by the evil eye: Nonconscious information processing , emotion, and attention to facial stimuli Book Chapter Barrett, Feldman L; Niedenthal, P M; Winkielman, P (Ed.): Emotion and Consciousness, pp. 97-122, Guilford Press, New York, NY, 2005, ISBN: 978-1593851880. BibTeX | Tags: @inbook{Lundqvist2005b, title = {Caught by the evil eye: Nonconscious information processing , emotion, and attention to facial stimuli}, author = {D Lundqvist and A \"{O}hman}, editor = {L Feldman Barrett and P M Niedenthal and P Winkielman}, isbn = {978-1593851880}, year = {2005}, date = {2005-01-01}, booktitle = {Emotion and Consciousness}, pages = {97-122}, publisher = {Guilford Press}, address = {New York, NY}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {inbook} } |
Lundqvist, D; Öhman, A Emotion regulates attention: The relation between facial configurations, facial emotion, and visual attention Journal Article Visual Cognition, 12 (1), pp. 51–84, 2005, ISSN: 1350-6285. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: @article{Lundqvist2005, title = {Emotion regulates attention: The relation between facial configurations, facial emotion, and visual attention}, author = {D Lundqvist and A \"{O}hman}, doi = {10.1080/13506280444000085}, issn = {1350-6285}, year = {2005}, date = {2005-01-01}, journal = {Visual Cognition}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {51--84}, abstract = {We used threatening, friendly, and neutral schematic facial stimuli, in which three, two, or one feature(s) conveyed emotion, to test the hypothesis that humans preferentially orient attention towards threat, and to examine the relation between facial features, emotional impression, and visual attention. Using a visual search paradigm, participants searched for discrepant faces in arrays of otherwise identical faces. Subsequently they also rated their emotional impression of the involved stimuli. Across four experiments, we found faster and more accurate detection of threatening than friendly faces, even when only one feature conveyed the emotion. Facial features affected both attention and emotion in the rank order eyebrows textgreater mouth textgreater eyes. Finally, the emotional impression of a face predicted its effect on attention.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } We used threatening, friendly, and neutral schematic facial stimuli, in which three, two, or one feature(s) conveyed emotion, to test the hypothesis that humans preferentially orient attention towards threat, and to examine the relation between facial features, emotional impression, and visual attention. Using a visual search paradigm, participants searched for discrepant faces in arrays of otherwise identical faces. Subsequently they also rated their emotional impression of the involved stimuli. Across four experiments, we found faster and more accurate detection of threatening than friendly faces, even when only one feature conveyed the emotion. Facial features affected both attention and emotion in the rank order eyebrows textgreater mouth textgreater eyes. Finally, the emotional impression of a face predicted its effect on attention. |
2004 |
Olsson, A; Phelps, E A Learned fear of “unseen” faces after Pavlovian, observational, and instructed fear Journal Article Psychological Science, 15 (12), pp. 822–828, 2004, ISSN: 0956-7976. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Obsfear procedure @article{Olsson2004, title = {Learned fear of “unseen” faces after Pavlovian, observational, and instructed fear}, author = {A Olsson and E A Phelps}, doi = {10.1111/j.0956-7976.2004.00762.x}, issn = {0956-7976}, year = {2004}, date = {2004-12-01}, journal = {Psychological Science}, volume = {15}, number = {12}, pages = {822--828}, abstract = {This study compared fear learning acquired through direct experience (Pavlovian conditioning) and fear learning acquired without direct experience via either observation or verbal instruction. We examined whether these three types of learning yielded differential responses to conditioned stimuli (CS+) that were presented unmasked (available to explicit awareness) or masked (not available to explicit awareness). In the Pavlovian group, the CS+ was paired with a mild shock, whereas the observational-learning group learned through observing the emotional expression of a confederate receiving shocks paired with the CS+. The instructed-learning group was told that the CS+ predicted a shock. The three groups demonstrated similar levels of learning as measured by the skin conductance response to unmasked stimuli. As in previous studies, participants also displayed a significant learning response to masked stimuli following Pavlovian conditioning. However, whereas the observational-learning group also showed this effect, the instructed-learning group did not.}, keywords = {Obsfear procedure}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This study compared fear learning acquired through direct experience (Pavlovian conditioning) and fear learning acquired without direct experience via either observation or verbal instruction. We examined whether these three types of learning yielded differential responses to conditioned stimuli (CS+) that were presented unmasked (available to explicit awareness) or masked (not available to explicit awareness). In the Pavlovian group, the CS+ was paired with a mild shock, whereas the observational-learning group learned through observing the emotional expression of a confederate receiving shocks paired with the CS+. The instructed-learning group was told that the CS+ predicted a shock. The three groups demonstrated similar levels of learning as measured by the skin conductance response to unmasked stimuli. As in previous studies, participants also displayed a significant learning response to masked stimuli following Pavlovian conditioning. However, whereas the observational-learning group also showed this effect, the instructed-learning group did not. |
Öhman, A; Wiens, S The concept of an evolved fear module and cognitive theories of anxiety Book Chapter Manstead, A S R; Frijda, N; Fischer, A (Ed.): Feelings and Emotions: The Amsterdam Symposium (Studies in Emotion and Social Interaction), Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, 2004, ISBN: 978-0521816526. BibTeX | Tags: @inbook{\"{O}hman2004, title = {The concept of an evolved fear module and cognitive theories of anxiety}, author = {A \"{O}hman and S Wiens}, editor = {A S R Manstead and N Frijda and A Fischer}, isbn = {978-0521816526}, year = {2004}, date = {2004-04-05}, booktitle = {Feelings and Emotions: The Amsterdam Symposium (Studies in Emotion and Social Interaction)}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {New York, NY}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {inbook} } |
Wiens, S; Fransson, P; Dietrich, T; Lohmann, P; Ingvar, M; Öhman, A Keeping it short: A comparison of methods for brief picture presentation Journal Article Psychological Science, 15 (4), pp. 282–285, 2004, ISSN: 0956-7976. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: @article{Wiens2004, title = {Keeping it short: A comparison of methods for brief picture presentation}, author = {S Wiens and P Fransson and T Dietrich and P Lohmann and M Ingvar and A \"{O}hman}, doi = {10.1111/j.0956-7976.2004.00667.x}, issn = {0956-7976}, year = {2004}, date = {2004-04-01}, journal = {Psychological Science}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {282--285}, abstract = {Research has shown that backward masking is a powerful tool for studying unconscious mental processes. Whereas studies have traditionally presented stimuli using cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors or mechanical shutters together with slide projectors, recent studies (mainly in functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI) have begun to use methods based on liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and thin-film transistor (TFT) technology. However, because of differences in technology, all methods may not be equally suited for masking. When methods were compared for their accuracy in presenting pictures at short durations, LCD and TFT presentations had poor accuracy, but shutter and CRT presentations had better accuracy. Because CRTs interfere with the imaging process in fMRI, we recommend the use of mechanical shutters. However, our results may not generally apply to all displays, so we advise researchers to validate the presentation parameters of their displays. The procedure described here may be useful for that purpose.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Research has shown that backward masking is a powerful tool for studying unconscious mental processes. Whereas studies have traditionally presented stimuli using cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors or mechanical shutters together with slide projectors, recent studies (mainly in functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI) have begun to use methods based on liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and thin-film transistor (TFT) technology. However, because of differences in technology, all methods may not be equally suited for masking. When methods were compared for their accuracy in presenting pictures at short durations, LCD and TFT presentations had poor accuracy, but shutter and CRT presentations had better accuracy. Because CRTs interfere with the imaging process in fMRI, we recommend the use of mechanical shutters. However, our results may not generally apply to all displays, so we advise researchers to validate the presentation parameters of their displays. The procedure described here may be useful for that purpose. |
Critchley, H D; Wiens, S; Rotshtein, P; Öhman, A; Dolan, R J Neural systems supporting interoceptive awareness Journal Article Nature Neuroscience, 7 (2), pp. 189–195, 2004, ISSN: 1097-6256. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: @article{Critchley2004, title = {Neural systems supporting interoceptive awareness}, author = {H D Critchley and S Wiens and P Rotshtein and A \"{O}hman and R J Dolan}, doi = {10.1038/nn1176}, issn = {1097-6256}, year = {2004}, date = {2004-02-01}, journal = {Nature Neuroscience}, volume = {7}, number = {2}, pages = {189--195}, abstract = {Influential theories of human emotion argue that subjective feeling states involve representation of bodily responses elicited by emotional events. Within this framework, individual differences in intensity of emotional experience reflect variation in sensitivity to internal bodily responses. We measured regional brain activity by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during an interoceptive task wherein subjects judged the timing of their own heartbeats. We observed enhanced activity in insula, somatomotor and cingulate cortices. In right anterior insular/opercular cortex, neural activity predicted subjects' accuracy in the heartbeat detection task. Furthermore, local gray matter volume in the same region correlated with both interoceptive accuracy and subjective ratings of visceral awareness. Indices of negative emotional experience correlated with interoceptive accuracy across subjects. These findings indicate that right anterior insula supports a representation of visceral responses accessible to awareness, providing a substrate for subjective feeling states.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Influential theories of human emotion argue that subjective feeling states involve representation of bodily responses elicited by emotional events. Within this framework, individual differences in intensity of emotional experience reflect variation in sensitivity to internal bodily responses. We measured regional brain activity by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during an interoceptive task wherein subjects judged the timing of their own heartbeats. We observed enhanced activity in insula, somatomotor and cingulate cortices. In right anterior insular/opercular cortex, neural activity predicted subjects' accuracy in the heartbeat detection task. Furthermore, local gray matter volume in the same region correlated with both interoceptive accuracy and subjective ratings of visceral awareness. Indices of negative emotional experience correlated with interoceptive accuracy across subjects. These findings indicate that right anterior insula supports a representation of visceral responses accessible to awareness, providing a substrate for subjective feeling states. |
Lundqvist, D; Esteves, F; Öhman, A The face of wrath: The role of features and configurations in conveying social threat Journal Article Cognition & Emotion, 18 (2), pp. 161–182, 2004, ISSN: 0269-9931. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: @article{Lundqvist2004, title = {The face of wrath: The role of features and configurations in conveying social threat}, author = {D Lundqvist and F Esteves and A \"{O}hman}, doi = {10.1080/02699930244000453}, issn = {0269-9931}, year = {2004}, date = {2004-02-01}, journal = {Cognition & Emotion}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {161--182}, abstract = {We examined the role of single features and feature configurations in the effect of schematic faces on rated threat. A total of 101 medical students rated their emotional impression of schematic facial stimuli using semantic differential scales (Activity, Negative Valence, and Potency). In different parts of the experiment, the ratings concerned single features, eyebrow‐mouth configurations, or complete faces. Although eyebrows emerged as the overall most important feature, the effect of features was modulated by configuration. Simple configurations of eyebrows and mouth appeared to convey threat and nonthreat in a way highly similar to that of complete faces. In most cases, the configurations of eyebrows and mouth could significantly predict the effect of the complete faces.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } We examined the role of single features and feature configurations in the effect of schematic faces on rated threat. A total of 101 medical students rated their emotional impression of schematic facial stimuli using semantic differential scales (Activity, Negative Valence, and Potency). In different parts of the experiment, the ratings concerned single features, eyebrow‐mouth configurations, or complete faces. Although eyebrows emerged as the overall most important feature, the effect of features was modulated by configuration. Simple configurations of eyebrows and mouth appeared to convey threat and nonthreat in a way highly similar to that of complete faces. In most cases, the configurations of eyebrows and mouth could significantly predict the effect of the complete faces. |
Schupp, H T; Öhman, A; Junghöfer, M; Weike, A I; Stockburger, J; Hamm, A O The facilitated processing of threatening faces: An ERP analysis. Journal Article Emotion, 4 (2), pp. 189–200, 2004, ISSN: 1931-1516. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: @article{Schupp2004, title = {The facilitated processing of threatening faces: An ERP analysis.}, author = {H T Schupp and A \"{O}hman and M Jungh\"{o}fer and A I Weike and J Stockburger and A O Hamm}, doi = {10.1037/1528-3542.4.2.189}, issn = {1931-1516}, year = {2004}, date = {2004-01-01}, journal = {Emotion}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {189--200}, abstract = {Threatening, friendly, and neutral faces were presented to test the hypothesis of the facilitated perceptual processing of threatening faces. Dense sensor event-related brain potentials were measured while subjects viewed facial stimuli. Subjects had no explicit task for emotional categorization of the faces. Assessing early perceptual stimulus processing, threatening faces elicited an early posterior negativity compared with nonthreatening neutral or friendly expressions. Moreover, at later stages of stimulus processing, facial threat also elicited augmented late positive potentials relative to the other facial expressions, indicating the more elaborate perceptual analysis of these stimuli. Taken together, these data demonstrate the facilitated perceptual processing of threatening faces. Results are discussed within the context of an evolved module of fear (A. Ohman & S. Mineka, 2001).}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Threatening, friendly, and neutral faces were presented to test the hypothesis of the facilitated perceptual processing of threatening faces. Dense sensor event-related brain potentials were measured while subjects viewed facial stimuli. Subjects had no explicit task for emotional categorization of the faces. Assessing early perceptual stimulus processing, threatening faces elicited an early posterior negativity compared with nonthreatening neutral or friendly expressions. Moreover, at later stages of stimulus processing, facial threat also elicited augmented late positive potentials relative to the other facial expressions, indicating the more elaborate perceptual analysis of these stimuli. Taken together, these data demonstrate the facilitated perceptual processing of threatening faces. Results are discussed within the context of an evolved module of fear (A. Ohman & S. Mineka, 2001). |
Carlsson, K; Petersson, K M; Lundqvist, D; Karlsson, A; Ingvar, M; Öhman, A Fear and the amygdala: Manipulation of awareness generates differential cerebral responses to phobic and fear-relevant (but nonfeared) stimuli Journal Article Emotion, 4 (4), pp. 340–353, 2004, ISSN: 1931-1516. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: @article{Carlsson2004, title = {Fear and the amygdala: Manipulation of awareness generates differential cerebral responses to phobic and fear-relevant (but nonfeared) stimuli}, author = {K Carlsson and K M Petersson and D Lundqvist and A Karlsson and M Ingvar and A \"{O}hman}, doi = {10.1037/1528-3542.4.4.340}, issn = {1931-1516}, year = {2004}, date = {2004-01-01}, journal = {Emotion}, volume = {4}, number = {4}, pages = {340--353}, abstract = {Rapid response to danger holds an evolutionary advantage. In this positron emission tomography study, phobics were exposed to masked visual stimuli with timings that either allowed awareness or not of either phobic, fear-relevant (e.g., spiders to snake phobics), or neutral images. When the timing did not permit awareness, the amygdala responded to both phobic and fear-relevant stimuli. With time for more elaborate processing, phobic stimuli resulted in an addition of an affective processing network to the amygdala activity, whereas no activity was found in response to fear-relevant stimuli. Also, right prefrontal areas appeared deactivated, comparing aware phobic and fear-relevant conditions. Thus, a shift from top-down control to an affectively driven system optimized for speed was observed in phobic relative to fear-relevant aware processing.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Rapid response to danger holds an evolutionary advantage. In this positron emission tomography study, phobics were exposed to masked visual stimuli with timings that either allowed awareness or not of either phobic, fear-relevant (e.g., spiders to snake phobics), or neutral images. When the timing did not permit awareness, the amygdala responded to both phobic and fear-relevant stimuli. With time for more elaborate processing, phobic stimuli resulted in an addition of an affective processing network to the amygdala activity, whereas no activity was found in response to fear-relevant stimuli. Also, right prefrontal areas appeared deactivated, comparing aware phobic and fear-relevant conditions. Thus, a shift from top-down control to an affectively driven system optimized for speed was observed in phobic relative to fear-relevant aware processing. |
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