arousal-reduction mechanism

any stimulus or inhibitory reaction that decreases the degree of arousal of an individual after it has reached an uncomfortably high level. According to Daniel E. Berlyne, a sharp increase in arousal can have unpleasant or aversive effects, but an arousal-reduction mechanism can produce positive hedonic value by lowering the arousal curve. The mechanism may have a natural inhibitory effect on central nervous system circuits, or it may result from a stimulus that conveys a sense of harmony or concinnity. Compare arousal-boost mechanism.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

malleation

n. a spasmodic tic in which the hands twitch in a hammering motion against the thighs.