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Emotion, attention, and the startle reflex

Lang, Peter J., Bradley, Margaret M., Cuthbert, Bruce N.·1990·Psychological Review

DOI 10.1037/0033-295x.97.3.377

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Abstract

This theoretical model of emotion is based on research using the startle-probe methodology. It explains inconsistencies in probe studies of attention and fear conditioning and provides a new approach to emotional perception, imagery, and memory. Emotions are organized biphasically, as appetitive or aversive (defensive). Reflexes with the same valence as an ongoing emotional state are augmented; mismatched reflexes are inhibited. Thus, the startle response (an aversive reflex) is enhanced during a fear state and is diminished in a pleasant emotional context. This affect-startle effect is not determined by general arousal, simple attention, or probe modality. The effect is found when affects are prompted by pictures or memory images, changes appropriately with aversive conditioning, and may be dependent on right-hemisphere processing. Implications for clinical, neurophysiological, and basic research in emotion are outlined.

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Authors: Lang, P. J., Bradley, M. M., & Cuthbert, B. N.
Affiliations: University of Florida (US)
ORCID: Lang, Peter J.
Bradley, Margaret M.
Cuthbert, Bruce N.
Venue: Psychological Review
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 1990
Volume: 97
Issue: 3
Pages: 377-395
ISSN: 0033-295X (ISSN-L)
1939-1471
DOI: 10.1037/0033-295x.97.3.377
OpenAlex: W2021502766
Cited by: 2,205
References: 82
Citations by year: 2026: 40 · 2025: 49 · 2024: 51 · 2023: 56 · 2022: 56 · 2021: 73 · 2020: 60 · 2019: 57 · 2018: 66 · 2017: 75 · 2016: 64 · 2015: 94 · 2014: 95 · 2013: 97 · 2012: 113
FWCI: 12.48
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Psychological Review (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: National Institutes of Health (5r01mh041950-03, 5r01mh043975-12)
National Institute of Mental Health (MH41950, MH 43975, MH37757)
Topics: Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords: emotions, startle response, attention, fear conditioning, emotional memory, emotional imagery, right hemisphere, emotion perception, emotional valence
MeSH terms: Arousal, Attention, Blinking, Emotions, Humans, Reflex, Startle

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