Expectancy bias in a selective conditioning procedure: Trait anxiety increases the threat value of a blocked stimulus

► Forward blocking can be regarded as a lab model for selective threat appraisal. ► We find trait anxiety to be negatively related to blocking of shock expectancy. ► This finding links trait anxiety with a deficit in selective threat appraisal. ► Trait anxiety is a known vulnerability factor for various anxiety disorders. ► Lack of selectivity in threat appraisal may foster development of anxiety pathology.