What role might a lack of safety signals play in the development and maintenance of generalized

anxiety disorder?

What will be an ideal response?

It is well-established that a lack of predictability and control creates stress. Safety signals
are environment cues that signal when it is appropriate to relax. For example, if you knew
your boss was always in a good mood on Friday, it might be safe to relax and not worry
about a mistake you made. The fact that it is Friday would serve as a safety signal. The
rest of the week, however, you should feel anxious about having made a mistake. When
safety signals are present, it signals that one can relax. In the absence of such signals,
anxiety prevails, providing a possible explanation for generalized anxiety disorder.