Desensitization as an habituation phenomenon: I. Stimulus intensity as determinant of the effects of stimulus lengths

Abstract

Desensitization is assumed to be an habituation phenomenon, and some foundations are laid for a multi-process theory based on the habituation of the orienting reflex. The importance of stimulus intensity as a moderating variable is emphasised. It is predicted and found that with items at the top of the hierarchy, desensitization is faster when long presentations are used, while for low items the reverse is the case. Also a distinction is made between long-term and short-term desensitization. The above predictions apply only to the former. When the latter is examined, it is found that for both high and low items, long presentations facilitate intersession anxiety reduction. The theoretical implications of the research are discussed, and questions needing further investigation are indicated.