Essay Prompt:
Focussing on the retrieval model of extinction and studies of the renewal of conditioned fears, develop
an evidence-based argument to support the claim that “fear extinction is relatively easy to learn but
difficult to remember.” (Vervliet et al., 2013, p 215).
Evaluate the translational value of this statement, and of the model to which it relates, for the
treatment of anxiety disorders by critically reviewing the current evidence-base for one of the
treatment approaches suggested by Vervliet, et al. (2013).
Starting reference:
Vervliet, B., Craske, M. G., & Hermans, D. (2013). Fear extinction and relapse: state of the art. Annual review
of clinical psychology, 9, 215-248.
**I have attached 5 other references below that the uni has provided.
INSTRUCTIONS
This essay requires learning the fundamentals of human fear conditioning studies and their application in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly phobias. You will need to understand the basics of nonhuman animal studies as well as human fear-conditioning studies, particularly differential fear conditioning studies (i.e., CS+/ CS- within-subject designs) and studies that manipulate the contexts of acquisition, extinction and testing to study the renewal of previously extinguished fear (e.g., ABA; ABC designs). The concept of safety learning is also useful for understanding what is learned during extinction, which includes understanding the design of safety learning studies (e.g., AX vs. BX). Examples of all of these designs are described in the starting references. The second part of the task is designed to allow you to follow your interests to focus on one of the treatment approaches described in the starting reference. For example, if you have strengths or interests in the neurobiological basis of extinction and reconsolidation of memory, then you might want to explore approaches that use pharmacological agents to interfere with the acquisition of fear or strengthen extinction learning. Or, you may be more interested in exploring approaches that focus on strengthening the extinction memory that are more cognitive and psychological in nature.
The second part of the essay requires you to go beyond the starting reference, published in 2013, to analyse
and synthesise the current state of knowledge about your chosen approach. A strong essay will present a logically-reasoned argument that clearly addresses the issues raised in the essay prompt. The writing will be clear and concise. The tone will be appropriate for academic writing and will demonstrate a level of sophistication in using psychologically relevant terminology, and citing evidence appropriately. A weaker essay might still be quite informative, but the argument it presents will be less clear due to poor integration of ideas and/or ineffective use of scientific evidence. Common student errors in referencing, writing style, and formatting might also be present.
LIST OF TREATMENT APPROACHES from pg. 235- 239 of Vervliet et al. (“Roads to Relapse Prevention”). Choose whichever you think is best.
Strengthening the extinction memory:
– Massive extinction
– Extinction retrieval cues
– Mental reinstatement of retrieval context
– Multiple extinction contexts
– Multiple stimulus extinction
– Cognitive enhancer d-cycloserine to strengthen extinction learning
Weakening the fear memory:
– Memory reconsolidation with use of beta adrenergic blocking agent (propranolol) during reconsolidation window