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Sex Differences in Sensitivity to, and Salience of, Fear-Provoking Stimuli

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Sex Differences in Fear Response

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Anthropology ((HBBE))

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Abstract

Hitherto this point, discussion has focussed on components of the fear system that respond to the presence of threat as opposed to how we detect and interpret fear inducing stimuli. In this chapter, we examine the importance of two distinct but closely aligned concepts integral to the detection of fearful stimuli: Sensitivity (awareness of the presence of threat) and Salience (interpretation of the danger the threat poses). Intuitively, sex differences favouring heightened activity in women within these two areas, as with previous components, would be beneficial to their long-term fitness. These will each be considered in turn. Be advised that sensitivity and salience are examined via a wide array of different methods and readers unfamiliar with these may wish to consult Appendix A for task specific details.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. (1951–2017), Professor Anne Campbell wrote this book while at Durham University, Durham, UK

    Anne Campbell

  2. Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK

    Lee T Copping

  3. University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK

    Catharine P Cross

Authors
  1. Anne Campbell
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  2. Lee T Copping
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  3. Catharine P Cross
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Campbell, A., Copping, L.T., Cross, C.P. (2021). Sex Differences in Sensitivity to, and Salience of, Fear-Provoking Stimuli. In: Sex Differences in Fear Response. SpringerBriefs in Anthropology(). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65280-7_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65280-7_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-65279-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-65280-7

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