In a recent study published in the journal Computational Psychiatry, researchers at the University of California, Davis, Department of Psychology delved into the concept of uncertainty and how it impacts fear and anxiety. Alfred Hitchcock’s observation that anticipation is what creates terror was noted as a common tactic used in creating suspense in films. The researchers aimed to understand why uncertainty about when something bad will happen can cause anxiety by defining uncertainty more precisely.
The researchers found that when anticipating a negative event, the perception of hazard can vary depending on how the scenario is set up. For example, if there is a countdown to an electric shock, the hazard rate is low until the countdown ends. However, if the shock could occur at any time during the countdown, the hazard rate increases. They discovered that the hazard rate rising over time, rather than the actual probability of the event occurring, drives anxiety in individuals.
To test their hypothesis, the researchers set up an experiment where volunteers could receive a mild electric shock at some point unless they chose to leave a virtual environment. They found that the threat hazard rate, rather than the momentary threat probabilities, was a better predictor of anxiety and behavior in the participants. The volunteers reported feeling significantly more anxious in environments with higher hazard rates, suggesting that our brains may have evolved to track rising hazard rates as a survival mechanism.
The researchers suggest that mechanisms in our brains may track hazard rates in anxiety-inducing situations, guiding our behavior accordingly. They compared this concept to a gazelle grazing on the Serengeti, where the longer it grazes, the higher the hazard rate of being attacked by a lion. By better understanding the concept of uncertainty in anxiety, the researchers aim to shed light on the mechanisms behind fear and anxiety disorders, with the hope of developing more effective treatments for those who suffer from extreme anxiety.
Overall, by studying the impact of uncertainty on fear and anxiety, the researchers at UC Davis hope to gain a better understanding of how the human brain processes and responds to uncertainty. Their findings suggest that tracking hazard rates, rather than the actual probability of an event occurring, plays a significant role in driving anxiety and behavior. This research has implications for developing targeted treatments for anxiety disorders and improving the quality of life for millions of individuals who suffer from extreme anxiety.