Reciprocal augmentation of generalization and anxiety.

Abstract

A psychogalvanic reaction was trained to the word LIGHT under conditions of massed and distributed trials. In a factorial design the CR to the CS, LIGHT and mediated generalization stimuli, LAMP, SOFT, and SQUARE, were extinguished with 8-sec. and 20-sec. intertrial intervals. Spaced trials in conditioning produced greater amplitude of CR, greater generalization, and more resistance to extinction. Massed trials in extinction led to greater generalization and slower extinction. An interpretation of the results is offered in terms of reciprocal augmentation of anxiety and generalization, a phenomenon thought to have relevance for psychopathology.