Desensitization is a
psychological process by which a response is repeatedly elicited in situations where the action tendency that arises out of the emotion proves to be irrelevant
.
What does the term desensitization mean?
1 :
to make
(a sensitized or hypersensitive individual) insensitive or nonreactive to a sensitizing agent. 2 : to make emotionally insensitive or callous specifically : to extinguish an emotional response (as of fear, anxiety, or guilt) to stimuli that formerly induced it.
What is vicarious desensitization?
This is carried out either by clients performing in real life situations (known as vivo desensitization), or, if it is not practical to directly act out the steps of hierarchy, by clients
observing models performing the feared behaviour
(known as vicarious desensitization).
How do you desensitize someone?
- Diaphragmatic breathing. …
- Visualization. …
- Progressive muscle relaxation. …
- Meditation and mindfulness techniques.
What is desensitization and how does it work?
A desensitization hierarchy is constructed and the patient works their way through,
visualising each anxiety provoking event while engaging in the relaxation response
. The number of sessions required depends on the severity of the phobia. Usually 4-6 sessions, up to 12 for a severe phobia.
Why is desensitization bad?
While desensitization can be beneficial for your mental health, it can also
be detrimental
. If you become desensitized to violence or death, you could become less sensitive to others’ suffering, lose the ability to empathize, or start to behave in more aggressive ways.
What are the disadvantages of desensitization?
The disadvantage of systematic desensitization is
that it is slow
, and that it is often necessary to eventually implement some form of real-life exposure in order to fully reduce the fears.
What is the process of desensitization?
D003887. In psychology, desensitization is a
treatment or process that diminishes emotional responsiveness to a negative, aversive or positive stimulus after repeated exposure to it
.
What is desensitization in the media?
In the context of media violence, desensitization more specifically describes
a process “by which initial arousal responses to violent stimuli are reduced, thereby changing an individual’s ‘present internal state’
” (Carnagey, Anderson, & Bushman, 2007, p. 491).
What is desensitization of teeth?
Desensitization is defined as the “
gradual exposure to new stimuli or experiences of increasing intensity
.” In the dental setting desensitization is used to gradually expose the young dental patient to the new dental experience.
Can you become desensitized to emotions?
Some people are able to turn off their emotions in order to protect themselves. For others, emotional numbing is
unintended
. It may even be part of a larger issue, like depression or a personality disorder.
What is self control desensitization?
Self-control desensitization (SCD) is
a variation of systematic desensitization (SD)
that was developed by Marvin Goldfried in 1971. It is based on a somewhat [Page 509]different theoretical model than SD and provides for more procedural control to clients.
What are the three stages of systematic desensitization?
- Establish anxiety stimulus hierarchy. …
- Learn the mechanism response. …
- Connect stimulus to the incompatible response or coping method by counter conditioning.
Is desensitization good for anxiety?
Ample research shows that
systematic desensitization is effective in reducing anxiety and panic attacks
associated with fearful situations. Systematic desensitization usually starts with imagining yourself in a progression of fearful situations and using relaxation strategies that compete with anxiety.
What is the purpose of desensitization therapy?
Desensitization is a treatment technique
used to modify how sensitive an area is to particular stimuli
. This technique is utilized to decrease, or normalize, the body’s response to particular sensations.
How do you know if you are desensitized?
- feeling disconnected from one’s body or thoughts.
- feeling detached from the outside world.
- feeling like an outsider in one’s own life.
- a distorted or confused sense of time.
- difficulty connecting with others.
