Figure 1.

Schematic illustration of the experimental procedure. (A) Following initial practice trials, a shock work-up procedure was carried out to ensure credibility of the threat-of-shock instructions. Then the experimental session started and afterwards context conditions as well as picture materials were rated. The procedure was completed on three consecutive test days (except for the shock work-up, which was performed only on Day 1). (B) Each experimental session consisted of alternating blocks of instructed threat or safety as indicated by background colors. In each block all faces were presented once (i.e., 4 loved people and 4 unknown faces). Blocks were preceded by instruction slides (I) as a brief reminder.