What role might a lack of safety signals play in the development and maintenance of generalized anxiety disorder?

What will be an ideal response?


It is well-established that a lack of predictability and control creates stress. Safety signals are environment cues that signal when it is appropriate to relax. For example, if you knew your boss was always in a good mood on Friday, it might be safe to relax and not worry about a mistake you made. The fact that it is Friday would serve as a safety signal. The rest of the week, however, you should feel anxious about having made a mistake. When safety signals are present, it signals that one can relax. In the absence of such signals, anxiety prevails, providing a possible explanation for generalized anxiety disorder.

Psychology

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