deconditioning

n. a technique in behavior therapy in which learned responses, such as phobias, are “unlearned” (deconditioned). For example, a person with a phobic reaction to flying might be deconditioned initially by practicing going to the airport and using breathing techniques to control anxiety. See also desensitization.

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

Bekhterev’s nystagmus

a form of nystagmus that develops after the loss of a second labyrinth. Nystagmus occurs after the destruction of the first of the two labyrinths but eventually subsides, only to recur as a compensatory effect after loss of the second labyrinth. Also called compensatory nystagmus. [Vladimir M. Bekhterev]