Using virtual reality to study spatial mapping and threat learning.

ABSTRACT: Using spatial mapping processes to discriminate between threat and safety is crucial for survival. Little is known why some fail to discriminate during contextual conditioning. We used a virtual reality (VR) contextual conditioning paradigm to elucidate the effects of state and trait anxiety on contextual threat learning. Participants (n = 70) "picked" flowers in a VR environment. Dangerous zone flowers predicted an electric shock, while safe zone flowers did not. Between trials, participants completed a spatial memory task. Galvanic skin response (GSR) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory scores were recorded. Participants were considered learners for correctly identifying both zones. Non-learners, compared to learners, performed worse during the spatial memory task and demonstrated higher s

SUBMITTER: Marino CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11910644 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature