Guided threat focus and reappraisal was better than safety seeking behaviour for reducing fear in claustrophobia.

Intervention Participants were allocated to 1 of three 30 minute exposure conditions: GTR (n=13); SBU (n=17); and exposure alone (n=12). Exposure consisted of 2 BATs: a claustrophobia chamber (BAT 1) and a tall filing cabinet (BAT 2). All participants were told that claustrophobia is driven by concerns about lack of fresh air or being trapped. The GTR group was told of the efficacy of eliminating fear by focusing on the perceived threat and using evidence to counter the threat. The SBU group was told that several safety strategies were available to them: opening a small window in the chamber, standing near the exit door, checking the latch to make sure it was unlocked, and talking with the experimenter through an intercom. The exposure alone group was told that repeated exposure to the phobic situation would help them overcome their fear.