Abstract:

Acute stress and attentional bias towards threat are two key factors associated with developing and maintaining symptoms of anxiety disorder and PTSD. Acute stress is characterized by high activity of sympathetic nervous system, increased secretion of catecholamine and glucocorticoids. These psychophysical changes have significant effects on attentional bias towards threat. However, how acute stress affects attentional engagement and attentional disengagement of attentional bias is not clear. In this project, we will investigate neural mechanism of acute stress effects on attentional engagement and attentional disengagement towards threat by using modified dot probe task and spatial threat cueing task combine with eye tracking, event related potential as well as fear conditioning technique. The findings can provide guidance for the treatment of anxiety disorder and PTSD, and can help the government make good decision about public health.

Key words: acute stress, attentional engagement, attentional disengagement, neural mechanism