PTSD and Overgeneralization: An Exploratory Study Utilizing Zebrafish
Location
SU-103
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is commonly referred to as a memory processing disorder. While memory processing does play a significant role in the presence of PTSD, this study suggests that PTSD may be caused by overgeneralization occurring during fear associative learning. It is suggested that an individual overgeneralizes the presence of traumatic stimuli in a safe environment, following a traumatic event occurring in an unsafe environment, due to the presence of a specific stimuli. The study will utilize Zebrafish to determine if overgeneralization occurs, following exposure to aversive stimuli. Zebrafish have been researched as a possibility for furthering research in trauma and stress related disorders due to their wide range of behavioral cues and their ability to process associative learning. The aim of this study is to determine if significant changes in the environment reduce the stress response.
Faculty Sponsor
Shannon Saszik
PTSD and Overgeneralization: An Exploratory Study Utilizing Zebrafish
SU-103
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is commonly referred to as a memory processing disorder. While memory processing does play a significant role in the presence of PTSD, this study suggests that PTSD may be caused by overgeneralization occurring during fear associative learning. It is suggested that an individual overgeneralizes the presence of traumatic stimuli in a safe environment, following a traumatic event occurring in an unsafe environment, due to the presence of a specific stimuli. The study will utilize Zebrafish to determine if overgeneralization occurs, following exposure to aversive stimuli. Zebrafish have been researched as a possibility for furthering research in trauma and stress related disorders due to their wide range of behavioral cues and their ability to process associative learning. The aim of this study is to determine if significant changes in the environment reduce the stress response.