Match or Mismatch? The Impact of Expected Fear on Experienced Fear During Exposure

Expectancies are assumed to play an essential role in the maintenance and treatment of anxiety disorders. The present review aimed to systematically summarize studies examining the effects of expectancies as suggested by the match-mismatch model of fear (Rachman, 1994). A total of 50 articles were included. The findings largely supported core assumptions of the match-mismatch theory. The majority of studies verified the existence of an overprediction bias in anxiety disorders and a reduction of both expected and actually experienced level of fear with repeated exposures. There was some evidence, that an increasingly accurate prediction of fear was associated with reductions in real fear. New research directions and clinical implications are proposed to further develop treatment strategies for anxiety disorders.

Automated summary

The study found support for the core assumptions of the match-mismatch theory, including an overprediction bias in anxiety disorders and a reduction in both expected and actual levels of fear with repeated exposure. There was evidence that increasingly accurate prediction of fear was associated with reductions in real fear. New research directions and clinical implications are proposed for further developing treatment strategies for anxiety disorders.