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contact desensitization

a variation of systematic desensitization involving participant modeling instead of relaxation training, used especially in the treatment of anxiety. The therapist demonstrates appropriate behaviors, beginning with those in the weakest anxiety-provoking situation for the client, and then assists the client in performing such behaviors. For example, in working with a client who is afraid of spiders, the therapist might first sit near a spider, then touch the spider, and then pick it up while the client observes. The client, with the guidance and assistance of the therapist, would then perform the same activities in the same order.

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Psychology term of the day

March 17th 2025

principled negotiation

principled negotiation

a procedure to resolve the conflict between individuals or groups that strives for a mutually beneficial resolution while acknowledging the value of ongoing relationships. The procedure has four main components: (a) separating interpersonal problems from the more substantive issues between the parties and dealing with each issue individually, (b) focusing on the parties’ real interests rather than on what they initially say they want, (c) developing possible solutions that benefit all parties, and (d) insisting on objective criteria for the parties’ decisions. [first described in 1981 by Roger Fisher (1922–2012) and William L. Ury, U.S. experts on negotiation]