Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Habituation is the process of becoming desensitized to a repeated or continuous stimulus, resulting in a decreased response over time. It occurs when our brain filters out non-threatening information that is constantly present.
Sensory adaptation refers to the process where our sensory receptors decrease their responsiveness to a constant or unchanging stimulus. This allows us to focus on relevant sensory information in our environment.
Dishabituation: Dishabituation occurs when a previously habituated stimulus suddenly changes or stops, causing us to regain sensitivity and respond again.
Sensory Overload: Sensory overload happens when we are exposed to an overwhelming amount of sensory input that exceeds our processing capacity. It can lead to feelings of stress and difficulty concentrating.