Final answer:
The process of presenting a progressive sequence of an anxiety-producing stimulus is called systematic desensitization, which is a type of behavioral therapy used to reduce anxiety by gradually exposing the individual to the stimulus while practicing relaxation techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Anxiety Reduction Techniques
The process of presenting a progressive sequence of an anxiety-producing stimulus is known as systematic desensitization. This technique involves gradually exposing a person to the source of their anxiety, usually following a hierarchy of anxieties from least to most frightening, while the person practices relaxation techniques or engages in positive behaviors. This form of therapy is based on the principles of classical conditioning, particularly counterconditioning, where a new response (relaxation) that is incompatible with anxiety is conditioned to the anxiety-producing stimulus. Systematic desensitization is different from flooding, where a person is exposed to their greatest fear all at once, and desensitization alone, which could imply a more natural or passive exposure to the stimulus.
During systematic desensitization, individuals typically begin by learning relaxation techniques to control fear and anxiety responses. They then construct a hierarchy of fears and gradually expose themselves, with the therapist's guidance, to each level of the hierarchy while maintaining relaxation. This process continues until the individual can face the most anxiety-inducing situations without experiencing the previous level of distress.