What process involves changing an emotional response to a stimulus?

Counterconditioning is the process specifically designed to change an emotional response to a stimulus. It works by associating the feared or anxiety-provoking stimulus with a positive or relaxing experience. For example, if a dog is afraid of a vet visit, counterconditioning might involve presenting the dog with treats or playtime in the presence of the vet, gradually helping the dog to form a positive association with the environment it previously feared.

This method often involves incremental steps to ensure the pet feels safe and relaxed as they are exposed to the previously anxiety-inducing stimulus. Over time, through consistent practice, the emotional response can shift from fear or anxiety to one of calmness or even excitement.

In contrast, desensitization involves gradually exposing the pet to the feared stimulus at a low intensity, reducing their sensitivity to it over time. While this can complement counterconditioning, it does not directly change the emotional response. Reconditioning refers more broadly to training behaviors that may have become undesirable, and behavior modification is an overarching term that includes various techniques for changing behavior, but these do not specifically focus on emotional responses in the same way that counterconditioning does. Thus, counterconditioning is uniquely positioned as the method that transforms emotional reactions directly through positive associations.