systematic desensitization
1
6.7
- noun
- /ˌsɪstəmˈætɪk ˌdɛsɛnˌsɪtəˈzeɪʃən/
- Specialized
:
desensibilización sistemática
- If one accepts the notion that mood congruence between fear-evoking stimuli and memory can facilitate recall of negative events, the role of systematic desensitization, in-vivo exposure, and imagery treatments of anxiety patients is easily explained.
Examples
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It's called systematic desensitization.
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In the late 1960s, Joseph Wolpe introduced several imagery-related techniques in behavior-modification therapy: systematic desensitization, aversive-imagery methods, symbolic-modeling techniques, and implosive therapy.
Academic text (2006) -
With systematic desensitization, the child is taught to relax while the adverse stimuli are gradually introduced in increasing intensity and duration.
Academic text (1993) -
In another study, Latimer (1977) found that systematic desensitization tended to increase, rather than decrease, the frequency of panic attacks.
Academic text (1991) -
Gaming can provide a reassuring context for implementing specific treatment measures such as systematic desensitization, cognitive restructuring, and visualization.
Academic text (1997) -
Other behavioral difficulties, such as selective mutism, may require a combination of self-modeling, systematic desensitization, CBT, and differential reinforcement.
Academic text (2004) -
Lastly, Wolpe has observed that systematic desensitization (using imagination) does not succeed in helping that "considerable number of people who do not have fear when they imagine the things they fear" (1978, p. 235).
Academic text (1991) -
Other types of relaxation techniques include yoga, Tai Chi Chuan or Chi Gong, meditation, systematic desensitization, and Rational Emotive Therapy.
Academic text (2000) -
They were then treated with individualized techniques including systematic desensitization and relaxation training, modeling and cognitive restructuring, shaping, and differential reinforcement and contingency contracting.
Academic text (1993) -
With systematic desensitization, the therapist gradually exposes the patient to their fear while teaching them relaxation techniques.
Synonyms
3
6.9
A process that makes someone less sensitive to pain or strong feelings by repeated exposure
2
4.6
A treatment where a person faces what makes them afraid in a safe place
A method that reduces fear by slowly exposing a person to what scares them in a safe setting
A treatment that helps people face a fear step by step until they feel less scared
How Intense
- Specialized
1
7.4
- Specialized
- Specialized
2
4.6
- Specialized
1
6.7
- Specialized
24
5.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'systematic' (planned, orderly) modifies 'desensitization' (the process of reducing sensitivity via exposure), so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a planned/structured process to reduce sensitivity (e.g., to a phobia). This is a technical but transparent combination and follows predictable cross-linguistic medical/psychological terminology patterns.
Etymology
Systematic desensitization comes from the words systematic, meaning step-by-step, and desensitization, meaning becoming less sensitive. Think of a person facing a fear in small, ordered steps while learning to stay calm at each step. That's why the phrase means a therapy that slowly makes someone 'less afraid'.