What technique is used to gradually expose an animal to reduce sensitivity to a stimulus?

Desensitization is a technique that involves gradually exposing an animal to a stimulus that typically causes fear or anxiety in a controlled and incremental manner. The goal of this process is to help the animal become more tolerant of the stimulus over time, which is achieved by taking small steps and carefully monitoring the animal's reactions. As the exposure proceeds with minimal stress, the animal's negative response to the stimulus diminishes.

Desensitization is particularly effective when paired with other techniques, as it allows the animal to encounter a source of stress at a level that does not provoke an intense reaction. This method reinforces a sense of security while assisting the animal in adapting to potentially fear-inducing stimuli.

In contrast, counterconditioning involves changing the animal's emotional response to a stimulus by associating it with something positive, like treats or praise. Systematic desensitization is a more structured version of desensitization that integrates counterconditioning techniques and focuses on gradually increasing exposure alongside changing emotional responses. Behavior therapy refers to a broader range of interventions aimed at addressing various behavioral issues but may not specifically target gradual exposure to a stimulus.