Fear Extinction

Fear extinction is a psychological process where an individual learns to reduce or eliminate their fear response to a specific stimulus. This occurs through repeated exposure to the feared object or situation without any negative consequences. For example, if someone is afraid of dogs but gradually interacts with calm dogs in safe environments, their fear may lessen over time. This process is important in therapies for anxiety disorders, helping people confront and cope with their fears, ultimately leading to improved emotional well-being and a more adaptive response to previously feared situations.