What technique aims to alleviate stressful reactions through gradual exposure to stimuli?

Gradual exposure is a technique specifically designed to reduce stress reactions by gradually introducing an individual to a stimulus that may provoke fear or anxiety. This method recognizes that sudden exposure to a feared object or situation can lead to heightened distress. By slowly and systematically exposing an individual to the stimulus in a controlled manner, they can become accustomed to it over time, thereby reducing their fear response.

This process often involves starting with a version of the stimulus that is less intimidating and gradually progressing to more challenging situations, all while ensuring that the individual remains calm and comfortable. The idea is to build positive associations with the stimulus through this controlled exposure, ultimately leading to a decrease in fear or anxiety.

Other methods, such as behavior modification and counterconditioning, may involve changing how an individual responds to fear-inducing stimuli, but gradual exposure is specifically about the step-by-step introduction to those stimuli to lessen the stress reactions.