Excessive fear generalization has been associated with pathological anxiety, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, studies investigating the longitudinal relationship between generalization and the development of anxiety symptomatology are scarce. This study aims to test the predictive value of fear generalization for PTSD symptoms in a high-risk profession sample and to explore the relationship between generalization and neuroticism, which are both linked to PTSD. Longitudinal data from a multi-wave study in 529 Dutch fire-fighters were used. Fear generalization, PTSD symptoms and neuroticism were assessed at baseline. PTSD symptoms were reevaluated at six, 12, 18, and 24 months. Generalization was assessed in a differential conditioning paradigm by measuring expectancies of an aversive outcome when presented with stimuli similar to previously conditioned stimuli. Higher expectancy ratings towards stimuli most similar to safety signals predicted PTSD symptoms at follow-up after controlling for baseline PTSD symptoms, whereas higher expectancy ratings towards stimuli most similar to danger signals was associated with neuroticism. Neuroticism weakened the predictive power of fear generalization when considered simultaneously. These findings suggest that heightened fear generalization is associated with the development of anxiety and trauma-related symptoms. Targeting problematic fear generalization may be a promising intervention approach.

中文翻译：

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恐惧泛化可预测创伤后应激症状：对荷兰消防员的一项为期两年的跟踪研究

过度的恐惧泛化与病理性焦虑有关，包括创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）。然而，调查泛化与焦虑症状发展之间纵向关系的研究很少。本研究旨在测试高风险职业样本中恐惧泛化对 PTSD 症状的预测价值，并探讨泛化和神经质之间的关系，这两者都与 PTSD 相关。使用了对 529 名荷兰消防员进行的多波研究的纵向数据。在基线时评估恐惧泛化、创伤后应激障碍症状和神经质。在 6、12、18 和 24 个月时重新评估 PTSD 症状。通过测量与先前条件刺激相似的刺激时对厌恶结果的预期，在差异条件范式中评估泛化。在控制基线 PTSD 症状后，对与安全信号最相似的刺激的较高预期评级可以预测随访时的 PTSD 症状，而对与危险信号最相似的刺激的较高预期评级与神经质相关。同时考虑时，神经质削弱了恐惧泛化的预测能力。这些发现表明，恐惧泛化的加剧与焦虑和创伤相关症状的发展有关。针对有问题的恐惧泛化可能是一种有前途的干预方法。