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Abstract:
Previous research has demonstrated that fear increases height estimates (Jackson, 2009; Stefanucci & Proffitt, 2009). Given that the intensity of height fear dissipates with time (Emmelkamp et al., 2002), we assessed whether height estimates also changed according to fear levels within and across trials. Participants estimated
multiple virtual heights of varying depths by performing a
visual matching task. Objective (electrodermal) and subjective (self-report) measures of emotion were employed. Across trials, we assessed whether overestimation of height was attenuated as fear habituated. Within trials, we tested whether the emotional reaction to the displayed height influenced the process of estimation by recording adjustments for the matching task over time. Height estimates decreased across trials, but the rate of decline in estimates was moderated by individuals’ subjective and objective levels of fear. Lower levels of fear were associated with a greater decline in height estimates across trials and different adjustment processes within trials.
