 | This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. (January 2024) |
| Desensitization | |
|---|---|
| MeSH | D003887 |
In psychology, desensitization is a treatment or process that diminishes emotional responsiveness to a negative, aversive, or positive stimulus after repeated exposure. Desensitization can also occur when an emotional response is repeatedly evoked when the action tendency associated with the emotion proves irrelevant or unnecessary. The process of desensitization was developed by psychologist Mary Cover Jones and is primarily used to assist individuals in unlearning phobias[1] and anxieties.[2][3][4] Desensitization is a psychological process where a response is repeatedly elicited in circumstances where the emotion's propensity for action is irrelevant.[5] Joseph Wolpe (1958) developed a hierarchal list of anxiety-evoking stimuli in order of intensity, which allows individuals to undergo adaptation. Although medication is available for individuals with anxiety, fear, or phobias, empirical evidence supports desensitization with high rates of cure, particularly in clients with depression or schizophrenia.[6] Wolpe's "reciprocal inhibition" desensitization process is based on well-known psychology theories such as Hull's "drive-reduction" theory and Sherrington's concept of "reciprocal inhibition."[7] Individuals are gradually exposed to anxiety triggers while using relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.[7] It is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders.[7]
- ^ Gillan, P.; Rachman, S. J. (April 1974). "An Experimental Investigation of Desensitization in Phobic Patients". British Journal of Psychiatry. 124 (581): 392–401. doi:10.1192/bjp.124.4.392. PMID 4836161.
- ^ Stolerman I (2010). Encyclopedia of Psychopharmacology. Berlin Heidelberg: Springer.
- ^ Brink TL (2008). "Unit 6: Learning". [chapter-http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/TLBrink_PSYCH06.pdf Psychology: A Student Friendly Approach] (PDF). p. 101.
- ^ McNally RJ (March 1987). "Preparedness and phobias: a review". Psychological Bulletin. 101 (2): 283–303. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.101.2.283. PMID 3562708.
- ^ Cantor, Joanne (2003). "Violence in Films and Television". Encyclopedia of International Media and Communications. pp. 573–584. doi:10.1016/B0-12-387670-2/00312-5. ISBN 978-0-12-387670-6.
- ^ Nemeroff CB (2001). The Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science. Canada: John Wiley & Sons.[page needed][ISBN missing]
- ^ a b c Davison, Gerald C. (1968). "Systematic desensitization as a counterconditioning process". Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 73 (2): 91–99. doi:10.1037/h0025501. PMID 5649178.