Experiential, autonomic, and neural responses during threat anticipation vary as a function of threat intensity and neuroticism

► A shock anticipation task was designed to maximally drive anticipatory anxiety. ► Results indicated a clear dose-response pattern across multiple emotion “output” channels. ► Specifically, increased anxiety experience, SCR, and brain activation. ► High neuroticism was related to increased anxiety and decreased brain activation. ► Neuroticism related risk for developing anxiety disorders via dysregulated anticipatory responses.