The use of safety-seeking behavior in exposure-based treatments for fear and anxiety: Benefit or burden? A meta-analytic review

The results showed that average effect sizes were in favor of SSB-, (I: SMD = 0.31, 95% CI [− 0.04, 0.66]), and in favor of BL, (II: SMD = − 0.13, 95% CI [− 0.37, 0.11]). Neither of the effect sizes were statistically significant (I: Z = 1.75, p = .08; II: Z = 1.07, p = .28). The current meta-analysis could not provide compelling evidence supporting either the removal or addition of SSB during exposure. More systematic and statistically empowered replications, using comparable research methods, in (non-)clinical settings are needed. Novel insights from fear conditioning research may also shed light on the role of SSB in fear reduction.