Desensitization

Desensitization is a process that diminishes emotional responsiveness to a negative, aversive or positive stimulus after repeated exposure to it. It also occurs when an emotional response is repeatedly evoked in situations in which the action tendency that is associated with the emotion proves irrelevant or unnecessary. Desensitization is a common method used in psychotherapy and behavior therapy to help individuals cope with fears and phobias.

Overview

Desensitization is a treatment or process that can help reduce sensitivity or reactions to certain stimuli. It is often used in the field of psychology and behavioral therapy to help individuals manage and overcome fears, phobias, and other anxiety disorders.

Process

The process of desensitization often involves gradual exposure to the feared object or situation until the fear response is extinguished. This can be done through imagery, where the individual imagines the feared situation, or in vivo, where the exposure occurs in real life.

Applications

Desensitization is used in various fields and applications. In medicine, it is used to help patients overcome allergies through allergy desensitization. In psychology, it is used to help individuals overcome fears and phobias through systematic desensitization.

See also

• Systematic desensitization
• Allergy desensitization
• Behavior therapy
• Psychotherapy

References

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