Fear Arousal Drives the Renewal of Active Avoidance of Hazards in Construction Sites: Evidence from an Animal Behavior Experiment in Mice

Abstract

There is emerging evidence that negative emotions can be leveraged to help construction workers recognize hazards, with fear being closely associated with avoidance behavior among negative emotions. Previous research has indicated that decision-making during a simulated crisis differs significantly from real crisis scenarios. In order to induce fear arousal based on actual harm (referred to as real fear arousal), this study utilized the high degree of consistency between humans and mice in conducting a three-phase experiment employing a modified two-way active avoidance paradigm. The study’s key finding indicates that integrating construction elements into the modified two-way active avoidance paradigm can activate the renewal of active avoidance behavior toward shocks under conditions of fear arousal throughout the experiment. The level of fear demonstrated a significant impact on active avoidance of hazards (AAH) in the three-phase experiment. Managerial decision-making under crisis theory emphasizes the notable disparity between decision-making in simulated crisis scenarios and actual crisis situations. Consequently, effectively intervening in construction workers’ risk-taking behaviors often proves challenging. Numerous studies have established a close relationship between fear and avoidance behaviors. In order to ethically and effectively explore the influence of fearful emotions on real-life risk-taking behaviors, a three-phase avoidance experiment (comprising acquisition, extinction, and renewal phases) was conducted based on the classical paradigm used in experimental methods of animal behavior. Therefore, appropriately inducing fear arousal may enhance construction workers’ ability to avoid risk, particularly among those who have previously been injured, with potentially more pronounced effects. We advocate for a focus on enhancing the fear experience within reasonable limits during future safety training initiatives.