Moving from the laboratory to the real world and back again: Increasing the relevance of laboratory examinations of anxiety sensitivity

Laboratory-based experimental research has led to important breakthroughs in our understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders as well as other types of psychopathology. Despite the importance of this work, the relevance of laboratory-based research using clinical and nonclinical populations has been understated - particularly given concerns about the ecological and external validity of this research. Although some of these issues have been addressed elsewhere, there continues to be less emphasis on laboratory-based investigations compared to other types of research (e.g., treatment outcome). There also is continued misunderstanding regarding what questions can be examined and answered by experimental studies. As an introduction to this special series on the relevance of laboratory examinations of anxiety, we suggest that advances in laboratory preparations can make significant contributions to current behavior therapy. We also suggest that observations in clinical practice can spur innovations in laboratory research. One theme echoed by the articles in this ministries is the need for a renewed commitment to reestablishing a link between laboratory-based research and clinical application as a means to further advance the science and practice of behavior therapy over the long-term.