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Acquisition learning is stronger for aversive than appetitive events

Abstract:
Appetitive and aversive learning are both key building blocks of adaptive behavior, yet knowledge regarding their differences is sparse. Using a capsaicin heat pain model in 36 healthy participants, this study directly compared the acquisition and extinction of conditioned stimuli (CS) predicting pain exacerbation and relief. Valence ratings show stronger acquisition during aversive compared to appetitive learning, but no differences in extinction. Skin conductance responses and contingency ratings confirmed these results. Findings were unrelated to individual differences in pain sensitivity or psychological factors. Our results support the notion of an evolutionarily hardwired preponderance to acquire aversive rather than appetitive cues as is protective for acute aversive states such as pain but may contribute to the development and maintenance of clinical conditions such as chronic pain, depression or anxiety disorders.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1038/s42003-022-03234-x

Authors


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Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-9397-5285
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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
Clinical Neurosciences
Role:
Author


Publisher:
Springer Nature
Journal:
Communications Biology More from this journal
Volume:
5
Issue:
1
Article number:
302
Publication date:
2022-04-04
Acceptance date:
2022-03-04
DOI:
EISSN:
2399-3642
Pmid:
35379893


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1250574
Local pid:
pubs:1250574
Deposit date:
2022-05-03

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