Abstract
Electrocortical correlates of memory and attention during the anticipation of avoidable and inevitable threats. When faced with danger, humans exhibit a range of defensive behaviors, including freezing and active avoidance. Previous research has identified a distinct pattern of physiological responses to avoidable threats, characterized by heart rate bradycardia, reduced visual exploration, and suppressed visual alpha activity (8–13 Hz). This pattern suggests an adaptive state of attentive immobility. However, the relationship between this state and the encoding of threat and safety memories remains largely unexplored. To address this, we recorded parieto-occipital alpha activity, eye movements, and autonomic responses in 60 human participants as they awaited either an avoidable, inevitable, or no threat. To examine memory effects, participants later completed a subsequent memory task. Results showed enhanced suppression of alpha activity during avoidable threats, accompanied by heart rate bradycardia, centralized gaze, and increased sympathetic arousal—hallmarks of attentive immobility. However, these responses were not linked to memory encoding. Instead, memory effects were associated with reduced pupillary responses and decreased alpha activity, particularly in occipitotemporal regions. Together, these findings suggest that when individuals face avoidable threats, they enter a state of attentive immobility that enhances perceptual processing and prepares them for action but does not extend to improved memory encoding.
Yannik Stegmann
Scientific Researcher
My research interests include fear, anxiety and anxiety disorders, as well as how aversive learning shapes perception.