1. preparation for a forthcoming event or confrontation that is anticipated with some level of discomfort or anxiety. By practicing what is to be said or done in a future event the individual may lessen the stress of the event itself. Rehearsal may be carried out in psychotherapy with the therapist coaching or role-playing to help the individual practice for the event. See also behavior rehearsal; mental rehearsal; role play.

2. the repetition of information in an attempt to maintain it longer in memory. According to the dual-store model of memory, rehearsal occurs in short-term memory and may allow a stronger trace to then be stored in long-term memory. Although rehearsal implies a verbal process, it is hypothesized to occur in other modalities as well. See also depth-of-processing hypothesis.