Virtual postural threat facilitates the detection of visual stimuli

Prior studies have shown that enhanced levels of arousal can increase specific aspects of visual perception. The current study investigated the effect of a height-induced postural threat on the detection of central and peripheral visual targets. Ten healthy young adults performed a modified useful field of view task in a virtual environment under low and high postural threat. Each individual completed two blocks of standing trials at ground level (low postural threat), and on a virtual platform raised 7 m above the ground (high postural threat). Under high compared to low postural threat, individuals demonstrated decreases in self-reported balance confidence and increases in state anxiety and fear. With increased threat, detection rates for visual stimuli increased, independent of the location of the stimulus in the field of view. These findings suggest that detection of visual stimuli is facilitated in threatening environments, likely driven by a combination of emotion, attention and other higher cognitive influences.