in vivo desensitization

a technique used in behavior therapy, usually to reduce or eliminate phobias, in which the client is exposed to stimuli that induce anxiety. The therapist, in discussion with the client, produces a hierarchy of anxiety-invoking events or items relating to the anxiety-producing stimulus or phobia. The client is then exposed to the actual stimuli in the hierarchy, rather than asked simply to imagine them. Success depends on the client overcoming anxiety as the events or items are encountered. Compare covert desensitization. See also systematic desensitization. [first developed by Mary Cover Jones]

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

January 29th 2025

anticipatory nausea

nausea that occurs prior to chemotherapy (typically during the day before administration). Nausea and vomiting can also occur after an individual has received a few treatments, usually in response to triggers in the environment (e.g., odors and sights of the hospital room) that have been associated with the physical side effects of chemotherapy.