desensitization models

Desensitization models explain how repeated exposure to a stimulus reduces its emotional or physiological impact over time. For example, if someone frequently encounters a stressful situation, their response—like anxiety or heightened heart rate—becomes less intense with each encounter. These models are used in psychology and therapy to understand processes like tolerance to pain, addiction, or trauma. The core idea is that the nervous system adjusts its sensitivity, making stimuli less startling or distressing, which can be helpful for managing reactions or designing treatments to help individuals become more resilient.