The use of pupillometry to track emotional learning processes in humans is generating an increasing interest. Here, we provide a first systematic review and meta-analysis on the value of pupil dilation as a marker of Pavlovian conditioning, focusing on the roles of UCS valence (aversive vs. appetitive), the time course across trials and response intervals within trials. Based on data from 39 independent samples (total n = 1303), our results revealed strong evidence for the overall validity of conditioned pupil responses, with a trend for larger effects in aversive (average g = 0.73) vs. appetitive conditioning (g = 0.39). Response differentiation increased over the course of acquisition. Substantial differentiation effects were found in both early and late response windows. Moderator analyses revealed a consistent influence of UCS modality on differential conditioning, while evidence for moderation by contingency instructions and length of acquisition phase was mixed. The results highlight pupil dilation as a sensitive and reliable index of Pavlovian conditioning across valence categories and stimulus modalities. Important implications regarding methodological considerations and research goals are discussed.

使用瞳孔测量法来跟踪人类的情绪学习过程正在引起越来越多的兴趣。在这里，我们提供了关于瞳孔扩张作为巴甫洛夫条件反射标志物的价值的第一次系统回顾和荟萃分析，重点关注 UCS 效价（厌恶与食欲）的作用、跨试验的时间过程和试验中的反应间隔。基于来自 39 个独立样本（总n = 1303）的数据，我们的结果揭示了条件瞳孔反应整体有效性的有力证据，具有更大影响的趋势，厌恶（平均g = 0.73）与食欲调节（g= 0.39）。响应差异在采集过程中增加。在早期和晚期反应窗口中都发现了显着的分化效应。调节器分析揭示了 UCS 模式对差异调节的一致影响，而通过应急指令和采集阶段长度进行调节的证据则是混合的。结果突出显示瞳孔扩张是跨价类别和刺激方式的巴甫洛夫条件反射敏感和可靠的指标。讨论了关于方法论考虑和研究目标的重要影响。