Research project Psychophysical function of phobic fear

It is particularly difficult to get the relationship between the values on the scale to correspond to the actual relationship in how the experience changes. This is something that has been studied with "psychophysical scaling", but mainly for sensory experiences such as loudness, taste intensity, and perceived exertion.

In this project, we will study specific phobias (such as arachnophobia) in a psychophysical experiment using psychophysical scaling. People with specific phobias are usually treated by gradually exposing them to what they are afraid of. During such treatment, the distance to the source of anxiety is varied under controlled conditions, and the fear tends to decrease gradually.

In this project, we will use the theory and treatment model that underlies exposure in a classical psychophysical scaling experiment, with the distance to, e.g., the spider as the stimulus. The research participants will make estimates using a couple of different response scales during the experiment, so that the psychophysical function can be studied. Research participants will include both people with specific phobias and people without them. The experiment will be led by an experienced psychologist and expert in this type of exposure therapy.

The expected result is increased knowledge of emotion perception and the psychophysical function of fear/anxiety, and to be relevant for psychiatric care by eventually providing more individualized and precise diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment.