___ can change a patient's CER from negative to positive.

___ can change a patient's CER from negative to positive.

• A. Desensitization
• B. Operant conditioning
• C. Classical counterconditioning
• D. Punishment

Answer: (C)

Changing a negative conditioned emotional response into a positive one is achieved through classical counterconditioning. This approach rewires the emotional association by repeatedly presenting the stimulus that used to provoke fear together with a positive or soothing experience, so the person learns to pair that stimulus with calm or safety instead of fear. Over time, the conditioned emotional response shifts toward positive or at least a less negative state because the learned link now supports a different affective reaction. Desensitization reduces fear through gradual exposure but doesn’t explicitly create a new positive association with the stimulus. Operant conditioning changes behavior with consequences rather than changing the emotional meaning of the stimulus itself, and punishment targets behavior rather than the emotional response. For example, pairing the distressing cue with rewards or pleasant experiences during exposure helps foster a more positive or relaxed reaction.

Changing a negative conditioned emotional response into a positive one is achieved through classical counterconditioning. This approach rewires the emotional association by repeatedly presenting the stimulus that used to provoke fear together with a positive or soothing experience, so the person learns to pair that stimulus with calm or safety instead of fear. Over time, the conditioned emotional response shifts toward positive or at least a less negative state because the learned link now supports a different affective reaction. Desensitization reduces fear through gradual exposure but doesn’t explicitly create a new positive association with the stimulus. Operant conditioning changes behavior with consequences rather than changing the emotional meaning of the stimulus itself, and punishment targets behavior rather than the emotional response. For example, pairing the distressing cue with rewards or pleasant experiences during exposure helps foster a more positive or relaxed reaction.