systematic desensitization

a form of behavior therapy in which counterconditioning is used to reduce anxiety associated with a particular stimulus. It involves the following stages: (a) The client is trained in deep-muscle relaxation; (b) various anxiety-provoking situations related to a particular problem, such as fear of death or a specific phobia, are listed in order from weakest to strongest; and (c) each of these situations is presented in imagination or in reality, beginning with the weakest, while the client practices muscle relaxation. Since the muscle relaxation is incompatible with the anxiety, the client gradually responds less to the anxiety-provoking situations. See also covert desensitization; in vivo desensitization; reciprocal inhibition. [introduced by Joseph Wolpe]

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Psychology term of the day

January 19th 2025

dyad (diad)

Sorry, "dyad-diad" is not in the Dictionary of Psychology. Please report to APA if you believe this is an error.