Abstract

The present study aimed to compare the impact of two treatment-analogue interventions (exposure and defusion) on implicit (and explicit) spider-fear in a non-clinical sample. The study additionally examined whether implicit (and explicit) spider-fear predicted behaviour towards the object of fear and whether intervention influenced behaviour (either directly or through effects on implicit/explicit fear). 48 participants were randomly allocated to either exposure or defusion. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention measures of implicit and explicit spider-fear and a post-intervention behavioural approach test. Implicit fear (D-IRAP score) incrementally predicted behaviour over explicit fear, replicating previous findings. However, neither intervention appeared to affect implicit fear. Interventions did have differential effects on explicit fear and overt behaviour; notably, defusion facilitated greater approach behaviour than exposure. Results are interpreted in relation to existing literature and consideration of methodological limitations. A need for further research into the malleability of relational responding was identified, particularly in relation to existing clinical treatments.