What best describes systematic desensitization?

What best describes systematic desensitization?

• A. A sudden exposure to high-intensity stimulus.
• B. A gradual, controlled exposure to increasing intensity to avoid fear.
• C. A method of punishment.
• D. A dietary routine.

Answer: (B)

Systematic desensitization is a gradual, controlled approach to reducing fear by slowly increasing exposure to a feared stimulus while keeping the dog in a relaxed state. The key is to begin well below the dog’s threshold and only move to the next level of intensity when calm, pairing each exposure with positive reinforcement. In practice, you create a fear hierarchy, start at the easiest, and advance step by step as the dog tolerates each level without panic. This avoids overwhelming fear, unlike a sudden, high-intensity exposure, and it isn’t about punishment or unrelated routines like dieting.

Systematic desensitization is a gradual, controlled approach to reducing fear by slowly increasing exposure to a feared stimulus while keeping the dog in a relaxed state. The key is to begin well below the dog’s threshold and only move to the next level of intensity when calm, pairing each exposure with positive reinforcement. In practice, you create a fear hierarchy, start at the easiest, and advance step by step as the dog tolerates each level without panic. This avoids overwhelming fear, unlike a sudden, high-intensity exposure, and it isn’t about punishment or unrelated routines like dieting.