Hapenkyllästyys

Hapenkyllästyys, also known as habituation, is a psychological phenomenon where an individual becomes less responsive to a stimulus over time. This process occurs when a stimulus is repeatedly presented without any significant change in the environment. The term is derived from the Latin words "habere," meaning "to have," and "inquitum," meaning "customary."

Habituation is a form of learning that helps organisms adapt to their surroundings. It is a natural process that occurs in both humans and animals. For example, a person might become accustomed to the sound of a ticking clock, eventually ignoring it as a background noise. Similarly, a dog might stop reacting to the sound of a doorbell after it has rung repeatedly.

The habituation process involves several stages. Initially, the organism responds strongly to the stimulus. Over time, the response decreases as the organism becomes accustomed to the stimulus. Eventually, the response may cease altogether, and the stimulus is no longer noticed.

Habituation is different from sensitization, another form of learning where an organism becomes more responsive to a stimulus after repeated exposure. Both processes are important for an organism's ability to adapt and survive in its environment. Understanding habituation can provide insights into various psychological and behavioral phenomena, such as addiction and desensitization to stress.