Inhibition of fear acquisition in toddlers following positive modelling by their mothers

Egliston, Kerry-Ann; Rapee, Ronald M.

doi:10.1016/j.brat.2007.02.007

Cited by 61Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional DevelopmentChild and Animal Learning DevelopmentAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

Inhibition of fear acquisition in toddlers following positive modelling by their mothers

Egliston, Kerry-Ann, Rapee, Ronald M.·2007·Behaviour Research and Therapy

DOI 10.1016/j.brat.2007.02.007

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Abstract

The present study used an experimental design to investigate the role of modelling as a protective factor in fear and avoidance learning in a sample of 77 toddlers. Mothers and their 12-20-month-old children were randomly assigned to one of three pre-exposure conditions: (1) a modelling group (n=27) observed their mothers responding positively to a fear-relevant stimulus; (2) a stimulus-only group (n=25) were exposed to a fear-relevant stimulus alone; and (3) a control group (n=25) were exposed to neither modelling nor the stimulus alone. Children in all three groups were then subjected to an observational conditioning trial in which the experimenter reacted with fear and disgust toward the stimulus. When subsequently tested for the acquisition of fear, children in the modelling group showed more positive affective reactions and more approach behaviours than either controls or children exposed to the stimulus alone. The results demonstrate that very young children can rapidly form lasting associations between maternal affective reactions and novel, fear-relevant stimuli. Further, positive maternal reactions to a stimulus can over-ride any fear-evoking effect of negative reactions to that stimulus by a stranger.

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Background
Reductions in Children’s Vicariously Learnt Avoidance and Heart Rate Responses Using Positive Modeling
Reynolds, G., Field, A. P., & Askew, C. (2016) · Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology · doi:10.1080/15374416.2016.1138410 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Inhibition of vicariously learned fear in children using positive modeling and prior exposure.
Askew, C., Reynolds, G., Fielding-Smith, S. F., & Field, A. P. (2015) · Journal of Abnormal Psychology · doi:10.1037/abn0000131 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Preventing the Development of Observationally Learnt Fears in Children by Devaluing the Model’s Negative Response
Reynolds, G., Field, A. P., & Askew, C. (2015) · Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology · doi:10.1007/s10802-015-0004-0 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“2008, 2013; Askew and Field 2007; Dunne and Askew 2013), behavioral preferences and avoidance (e.g., Askew et al. 2013; Askew and Field 2007; De Rosnay et al. 2006; Dubi et al. 2008; Dunne and Askew 2013; Egliston and Rapee 2007; Gerull and Rapee 2002), heart rate and attentional bias (e.”
Background
Nonverbal and Verbal Transmission of Disgust From Mothers to Offspring: Effects on Children's Evaluation of a Novel Animal
Muris, P., Mayer, B., Borth, M., & Vos, M. (2012) · Behavior Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.beth.2012.10.002 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
The role of learning in the etiology of child and adolescent fear and anxiety
Field, A. P., & Purkis, H. M. (2011) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/cbo9780511994920.012 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Indirect Acquisition of Pain-Related Fear: An Experimental Study of Observational Learning Using Coloured Cold Metal Bars
Helsen, K., Vlaeyen, J. W. S., & Goubert, L. (2015) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0117236 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
“In previous fear research [58,59], avoidance behaviour was measured using a behavioural approach-avoidance paradigm, in which participants gradually approached the feared stimulus.”
Method
Vicarious learning and reduction of fear in children via adult and child models.
Dunne, G., & Askew, C. (2017) · Emotion · doi:10.1037/emo0000341 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Early-life object exposure with a habituated mother reduces fear reactions in foals
Christensen, J. W. (2015) · Animal Cognition · doi:10.1007/s10071-015-0924-7 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“…reveals increased fearfulness after observation of fearful demonstrators, a few reports indicate that observational learning can also attenuate some forms of conditioned or innate fear (humans: Egliston and Rapee 2007; rhesus monkeys: Mineka and Cook 1986; laboratory mice: Guzmán et al. 2009).”
Background
An Experimental Test of the Effects of Parental Modeling on Panic-Relevant Escape and Avoidance Among Early Adolescents
Bunaciu, L., Leen‐Feldner, E. W., Blumenthal, H., Knapp, A. A., Badour, C. L., & Feldner, M. T. (2014) · Behavior Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.beth.2014.02.011 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
“…parental behaviors and escape and avoidance in the areas of test anxiety (Burstein & Ginsburg, 2010), social anxiety (de Rosnay, Cooper, Tsigaras, & Murray, 2006; Murray et al., 2008), and specific phobia (Dubi, Rapee, Emerton, & Schniering, 2008; Egliston & Rapee, 2007; Gerull & Rapee, 2002).”
BackgroundResult
Anxiety Sensitivity Moderates the Association Between Father-Child Relationship Security and Fear Transmission
Bilodeau-Houle, A., Bouchard, V., Morand‐Beaulieu, S., Herringa, R. J., Milad, M. R., & Marin, M. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.579514 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Watch and Learn: Vicarious Threat Learning across Human Development
Skversky‐Blocq, Y., Haaker, J., & Shechner, T. (2021) · Brain Sciences · doi:10.3390/brainsci11101345 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Exposure to community violence as a mechanism linking neighborhood disadvantage to amygdala reactivity and the protective role of parental nurturance.
Suarez, G. L., Burt, S. A., Gard, A. M., Klump, K. L., & Hyde, L. W. (2024) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/dev0001712 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Parent to Offspring Fear Transmission via Modeling in Early Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nimphy, C., Venetikidi, M., Elzinga, B., van der Does, W., & Aktar, E. (2023) · Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10567-023-00448-1 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Preventing anxiety in the children of anxious parents – feasibility of a brief, online, group intervention for parents of one‐ to three‐year‐olds
Palmer, E., Woolgar, M., Carter, B., Cartwright‐Hatton, S., & Challacombe, F. L. (2022) · Child and Adolescent Mental Health · doi:10.1111/camh.12596 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Fear Learning in Infancy: An Evolutionary Developmental Perspective
Rakison, D. H. (2022) · Evolutionary psychology · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-76000-7_14 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Preliminary examination of the effects of an early parenting intervention on amygdala-orbitofrontal cortex resting-state functional connectivity among high-risk children: A randomized clinical trial
Korom, M., Valadez, E. A., Tottenham, N., Dozier, M., & Spielberg, J. M. (2024) · Development and Psychopathology · doi:10.1017/s0954579423001669 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“For instance, supportive care reduces cortisol reactivity and increases cortisol recovery in infants (Gunnar & Donzella, 2002) and can buffer conditioned fear learning (Egliston & Rapee, 2007).”
A comparison of positive vicarious learning and verbal information for reducing vicariously learned fear
Reynolds, G., Wasely, D., Dunne, G., & Askew, C. (2017) · Cognition & Emotion · doi:10.1080/02699931.2017.1389695 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“…cognitions and behavioural avoidance (e.g. Askew, Dunne, Ozdil, Reynolds, & Field, 2013; Askew & Field, 2007; Askew, Kessock-Philip, & Field, 2008; Egliston & Rapee, 2007; Gerull & Rapee, 2002), as well as increases in heart rate and attentional bias (e.g. Reynolds, Field, & Askew, 2014, 2015)…”
Girls’ Stuff? Maternal Gender Stereotypes and Their Daughters’ Fear
Gerdes, A. B. M., Fraunfelter, L.-A., Braband, M., & Alpers, G. W. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.741348 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Learning to fear pain after observing another's pain: An experimental study in schoolchildren
Lierde, E. V., Goubert, L., Vervoort, T., Hughes, G., & den Bussche, E. V. (2019) · European Journal of Pain · doi:10.1002/ejp.1529 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Preventing and reducing fear using positive modelling: A systematic review of experimental research with children.
Krause, L., & Askew, C. (2021) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2021.103992 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
The Examination of Emotional Facial Expressions Within Parent–Child and Sibling Interactive Contexts: A Systematic Review
der Buhs, I. H.-V., & Gosselin, J. (2017) · Marriage & Family Review · doi:10.1080/01494929.2017.1347549 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“…induce, this being particularly relevant for at-risk population namely children with an anxiety-prone temperament, or individuals of all ages who suffer from a type of anxiety disorder (de Rosnay, Cooper, Tsigaras, & Murray, 2006; Dubi, Rapee, Emerton, & Schniering, 2008; Egliston & Rapee, 2007).”
Background
Specific Phobias
Adams, T. G., Sawchuk, C. N., Cisler, J. M., Lohr, J. M., & Olatunji, B. O. (2014) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118775349.ch18 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
How the Attitude of Acceptance, Enthusiasm and Learning through Motivation Affects Brain Development in Children with Autism: A Literature Review
Prata, J., Coelho, R., & Lawson, W. B. (2018) · Journal of Intellectual Disability - Diagnosis and Treatment · doi:10.6000/2292-2598.2018.06.01.3 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“Specifically, studies have shown that parents can up- and down- regulate the child’s emotional expressions of fear depending on their own emotional output [16]; that infants and mothers exhibit similar fluctuations in cortisol patterns throughout the day [17]; that the presence of a parent can influence the child’s pe…”
Background
Effects of "Dirty" Information on Disgust Responding to an Unknown Animal in Children: The Moderating Role of Maternal Disgust Proneness
Olatunji, B. O., & Viar-Paxton, M. A. (2019) · Behavior Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.beth.2019.10.001 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Child behavioral inhibition, parental overcontrol, and parental anxiety as predictors of adolescent anxiety.
Keizer, B. M. (2012) · doi:10.18297/etd/733 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Specific Phobia
Nowakowski, M. E., Rogojanski, J., & Antony, M. M. (2013) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118528563.wbcbt41 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Specific Phobia in Young Children: Associations between the Origins of Fear and Clinical Expression of Phobia Symptoms.
Trimarchi, L., Waters, A. M., Simcock, G., & Farrell, L. J. (2025) · Journal of Child and Family Studies · doi:10.1007/s10826-025-03040-z · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“In contrast, positive maternal modelling decreases children ’ s fear beliefs (Broeren et al., 2011; Egliston & Rapee, 2007; Gerull & Rapee, 2002; Kelly et al., 2010).”
Students’ self-reported fears and the perceived origins thereof
Loxton, H., Roomaney, R., & Cobb, C. (2018) · Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health · doi:10.2989/17280583.2018.1533838 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“There are several international studies that provide evidence for Rachman’s theory (e.g. Egliston & Rapee, 2007; Field, 2006; Ollendick & King, 1991).”
Background
Adult attachment styles: a comparison between psychologically maltreated and non-maltreated individuals using self-report and projective methods
Holens, P. L. (2010) · Mspace (University of Manitoba) · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Specific phobia
Koerner, N., Rogojanski, J., & Antony, M. M. (2010) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/cbo9780511781919.007
Oxytocin and epigenetic mechanisms in mouse models of empathy and autism
Pisansky, M. T. (2016) · University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy (University of Minnesota)
The Treatment of Child Anxiety Disorders Using Online Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy: An Investigation of Family Factors and Treatment Compliance as Predictors of Child Treatment Outcome
Prosser, S. J. (2011) · Griffith Research Online · doi:10.25904/1912/3609

Mother knows best: effects of maternal modelling on the acquisition of fear and avoidance behaviour in toddlers
Gerull, F. C., & Rapee, R. M. (2002) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/s0005-7967(01)00013-4 · Cited by 352 · see citing works
Self-citation
Maternal Modeling and the Acquisition of Fear and Avoidance in Toddlers: Influence of Stimulus Preparedness and Child Temperament
Dubi, K., Rapee, R. M., Emerton, J. L., & Schniering, C. A. (2007) · Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology · doi:10.1007/s10802-007-9195-3 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
Self-citation
Preventing and reducing fear using positive modelling: A systematic review of experimental research with children.
Krause, L., & Askew, C. (2021) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2021.103992 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Vicarious learning and unlearning of fear in childhood via mother and stranger models.
Dunne, G., & Askew, C. (2013) · Emotion · doi:10.1037/a0032994 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
Inhibition of vicariously learned fear in children using positive modeling and prior exposure.
Askew, C., Reynolds, G., Fielding-Smith, S. F., & Field, A. P. (2015) · Journal of Abnormal Psychology · doi:10.1037/abn0000131 · Cited by 23 · see citing works

Authors: Egliston, K.-A., & Rapee, R. M.
Affiliations: Macquarie University (AU)
Corresponding author: Egliston, Kerry-Ann
ORCID: Rapee, Ronald M.
Venue: Behaviour Research and Therapy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Published: 2007-08
Volume: 45
Issue: 8
Pages: 1871-1882
ISSN: 0005-7967 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2007.02.007
OpenAlex: W1985635607
Cited by: 61
References: 52
Citations by year: 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 3
FWCI: 3.99
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
Locations: Behaviour Research and Therapy (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Child and Animal Learning Development
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords: fear acquisition, toddlers, observational learning, protective factors, approach behavior, disgust
MeSH terms: Adult, Affect, Avoidance Learning, Fear, Female, Humans, Infant, Male, Mother-Child Relations, Psychometrics, Social Perception, Parenting

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Inhibition of fear acquisition in toddlers following positive modelling by their mothers

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