Which term describes the process of pairing a positive stimulus with a feared stimulus to change the emotional response?

Which term describes the process of pairing a positive stimulus with a feared stimulus to change the emotional response?

• A. Desensitization
• B. Counterconditioning
• C. Classical conditioning
• D. Operant conditioning

Answer: (B)

Counterconditioning. The idea is to pair the feared stimulus with something the animal finds rewarding, so the animal starts to expect a positive experience when that stimulus is present rather than fear. Over time, the emotional reaction shifts from anxiety to calm or anticipation of reward. This is different from desensitization, which focuses on gradual exposure to reduce fear without necessarily creating a positive association. Classical conditioning explains how these associations form, but the hallmark of counterconditioning is changing the emotional response itself by pairing the trigger with a positive experience.

Counterconditioning. The idea is to pair the feared stimulus with something the animal finds rewarding, so the animal starts to expect a positive experience when that stimulus is present rather than fear. Over time, the emotional reaction shifts from anxiety to calm or anticipation of reward. This is different from desensitization, which focuses on gradual exposure to reduce fear without necessarily creating a positive association. Classical conditioning explains how these associations form, but the hallmark of counterconditioning is changing the emotional response itself by pairing the trigger with a positive experience.