Desensitization

Desensitization is the process by which an individual becomes less responsive to a stimulus after repeated exposure. This can occur with a wide range of stimuli, including emotional, physical, and psychological. It involves a reduction in the intensity of an emotional, physical, or psychological response. It can be a natural adaptation to repeated exposure, but it can also be a learned behavior used as a therapeutic tool to reduce anxieties and phobias. The key aspect is a decrease in the impact of the stimulus over time. The process can happen gradually or rapidly, and the degree of desensitization varies depending on the individual and the specific stimulus. It is important to note that desensitization is not necessarily a negative process; in many cases, it is a beneficial adaptation.

Desensitization meaning with examples

• After months of living near a busy airport, the constant roar of airplanes became less noticeable; a form of auditory desensitization. Initially, the noise was disruptive. Now, she barely registered the planes, the noise was not impacting on her quality of life. Her nervous system had adjusted to the persistent sound waves. This gradual reduction in her reaction enabled a sense of normality.
• A therapist uses a technique called systematic desensitization to help a patient overcome their fear of spiders. The therapy involves controlled exposure to spider-related stimuli, starting with pictures and progressing to live spiders. The gradual exposure helps the patient progressively reduce their anxiety response. The goal of the treatment plan is to build resilience.
• A soldier returning from combat might experience emotional desensitization, feeling less emotionally reactive to traumatic experiences. This can be a complex phenomenon, both a protective mechanism to cope with distress and, at the same time, a potential barrier to processing and healing from past experiences. The impact can be subtle, with gradual flattening of emotions.
• Due to overexposure to violent video games, some people may experience moral desensitization, becoming less affected by depictions of violence. This may affect their real-world responses to violence. This raises concerns about the impact on empathy and social behavior over time, due to a constant level of stimuli.