Question

What is conditioned fear?

Answer 1

Conditioned fear is the process that occurs when a previously neutral stimulus (i.e. the ring of a bell) is paired with a stimulus that produces fear and anxiety (i.e. a growling dog). When the pairing of the neutral stimulus and anxiety-provoking stimulus are done repeatedly, then this strengthens the association between the neutral stimulus and fear. Eventually, the neutral stimulus alone can induce fear, thus becoming a conditioned fear.