Desensitization is defined as which of the following?

Desensitization is defined as which of the following?

• A. Using medications to suppress reaction
• B. Gradual exposure to increase sensitivity
• C. Reducing sensitivity through gradual controlled exposure
• D. Counteracting with counter-conditioning

Answer: (C)

Desensitization lowers an animal’s fear response by exposing it to the trigger at a very low intensity and then gradually increasing the exposure in a controlled, step-by-step way. This approach helps the nervous system habituate so the stimulus becomes less upsetting over time, ideally without triggering strong anxiety. It’s about reducing sensitivity through careful, progressive exposure, often paired with positive reinforcement and calming techniques. That’s why the description of reducing sensitivity through gradual controlled exposure is the best match. Using medications to suppress reactions doesn’t change the underlying fear, increasing exposure to make the animal more sensitive would be the opposite of desensitization, and counter-conditioning involves teaching a new positive association with the stimulus—carefully used it can be part of a broader program but isn’t the definition itself.

Desensitization lowers an animal’s fear response by exposing it to the trigger at a very low intensity and then gradually increasing the exposure in a controlled, step-by-step way. This approach helps the nervous system habituate so the stimulus becomes less upsetting over time, ideally without triggering strong anxiety. It’s about reducing sensitivity through careful, progressive exposure, often paired with positive reinforcement and calming techniques.

That’s why the description of reducing sensitivity through gradual controlled exposure is the best match. Using medications to suppress reactions doesn’t change the underlying fear, increasing exposure to make the animal more sensitive would be the opposite of desensitization, and counter-conditioning involves teaching a new positive association with the stimulus—carefully used it can be part of a broader program but isn’t the definition itself.