Latent cause inference during extinction learning in trauma-exposed individuals with and without PTSD

Abstract Background Problems in learning that sights, sounds, or situations were once associated with danger have become safe (extinction learning) may explain why some individuals suffer prolonged psychological distress following traumatic experiences. Although simple models been unable to provide a convincing account of this fails, it has recently proposed be explained by individual differences beliefs about the causal structure environment. Methods Here, we tested two competing hypotheses as how inference might related trauma-related psychopathology, using extinction data collected from clinically well-characterised varying degrees post-traumatic stress ( N = 56). Model parameters describing multiple disorder (PTSD) and depression symptom dimensions via network analysis. Results Individuals more severe PTSD likely assign observations conditioning stages single underlying cause. Specifically, greater re-experiencing severity was lower likelihood inferring causes active Conclusions We interpret these results providing evidence primary deficit discriminative participants PTSD. tendency attribute diversity stimulus configurations same cause resulted uncertainty stimulus-outcome associations, impeding both certain stimuli safe, no longer dangerous. In future, better understanding role psychopathology help refine cognitive therapies for disorders.