A novel(ty) perspective of fear bias

Abstract

Grossmann presents an exciting and interesting theory on the function of fearfulness. In this commentary it is argued that fearfulness may be a byproduct of a larger executive functioning network and these early regulatory skills considered more broadly may be key building blocks for later cooperative behaviors.

Context‐dependent approach and avoidance behavioral profiles as predictors of psychopathology

“…Freitag & Kelsey, 2023;Jensen et al, 2017;Kelsey & Grossmann, 2019), a critical direction for future research will be consideration of how approach and avoidance behavioral styles interact with other biological and experiential factors and how this, in turn, influences risk for developing a mental health disorder. Understanding these complex interactions may provide direction for early identification and intervention efforts, particularly in identifying subgroups for whom these efforts may be especially beneficial.…”

“…Indeed, work with adults and older children suggests that having fewer regulatory strategies is associated with heightened risk for psychopathology (Bonanno & Burton, 2013;Compas et al, 1988;Quiñones-Camacho & Davis, 2018). Similarly, inherent in models of fearful temperament, behavioral inhibition, and exuberance is the association between having a limited repertoire of behaviors (e.g., approach/avoidance behaviors across a series of scenarios) and risk for later maladjustment (Garcia Coll et al, 1984;Kagan et al, 1984;Kelsey, 2023). The development of behavioral motivation strategies is particularly important to examine in early childhood when children begin to encounter a range of situations that vary in their familiarity and perceived risk, and accordingly, they begin to learn new strategies and establish patterns of responses that remain relatively stable throughout childhood (Cole et al, 1994;Lemery et al, 1999;Majdandžić & Van Den Boom, 2007).…”