Safe, But Exposed: Inherent Conflicts in Safety Signal Conceptualization
Document Type
Article
Keywords
Anxiety disorders; Avoidance; Safety behaviors; Treatment outcome
Disciplines
Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
Safety behaviors are a strategy many individualswith anxiety disorders develop to reduce anxiety and perpetuate avoidance. Experimental research has consistently suggested that safety behavior interferes with treatment outcome. Helbig-Lang and Petermann (2010) highlight distinctions between maladaptive safety behavior and adaptive coping. In this commentary, I highlight some inherent conflicts that exist in the conceptualization of safety behavior as it relates to the conceptualization of anxiety disorder, including (a) naturally occurring efforts to obtain safety, even for stimuli that carry low threat risk, (b) examination of the full range of emotions associated with safety behavior, and (c) professional attitudes that contribute to mixed signals regarding the importance of safety. Recommendations are offered to begin to resolve these conflicts.
Article Number
1218
Publication Date
2010
Recommended Citation
McKay, D. (2010). Safe, but exposed: Inherent conflicts in safety signal conceptualization. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 17, 234-237.
Link to request form
1
Link to request form
Click here to request a copy of this article from the author.
