What was the primary aim of the Dias and Ressler (2014) study?

The primary aim of the Dias and Ressler (2014) study was to investigate the role of genetic inheritance in phobias. This research specifically looked at how fear responses and phobias could be influenced by genetic factors, particularly through a notable experiment involving conditioned fear responses in mice. By examining how these fear responses were inherited across generations, the study provided insights into the genetic basis of phobias.

This focus on genetic inheritance is significant because it adds to the understanding of how phobias can be not just learned through experience but potentially passed on biologically. The findings have implications for understanding the aetiology of anxiety disorders and could pave the way for new approaches in treatment and prevention.

The other options, while relevant in the broader context of psychological studies, do not represent the primary aim of Dias and Ressler’s work. Their research was not centered on broader social influences or the assessment of treatment effectiveness, but rather on the intrinsic genetic factors that contribute to the development and transmission of phobias.