The facilitative effects of heart-rate feedback in the emotional processing of claustrophobic fear

Behav Res Ther. 2000 Apr;38(4):373-87. doi: 10.1016/s0005-7967(99)00038-8.

Abstract

This study examines predictions derived from Foa and Kozak's theory of emotional processing. We hypothesized that the provision of heart-rate feedback would facilitate emotional processing through a fuller activation of the participant's fear structure, and by focusing participants' attention on information that is incompatible with the fear structure, i.e., the interoceptive pattern of habituation. Nonclinical students (N = 54) showing marked claustrophobic fear received 30 min of self-directed exposure to a claustrophobic chamber. Three exposure conditions (heart-rate feedback, paced-tone control, and exposure only control) were examined across six 5-min exposure trials. Participants receiving heart-rate feedback displayed greater between-trial habituation across treatment trials and lower levels of fear at post-treatment. Treatment process findings failed to support the fear activation hypothesis. Implications of the findings for theories of fear reduction are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biofeedback, Psychology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Desensitization, Psychologic / methods*
  • Emotions
  • Fear / psychology
  • Female
  • Habituation, Psychophysiologic*
  • Heart Rate*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory
  • Phobic Disorders / physiopathology
  • Phobic Disorders / psychology*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales