Harjumine

Harjumine is a concept in psychology referring to the process by which an individual becomes accustomed to a particular stimulus or situation. This often involves a reduction in the physiological or psychological response to something that was initially novel or aversive. For example, someone might initially feel anxious in a crowded place, but over time, through repeated exposure, this anxiety may diminish, and they become accustomed to the environment.

This adaptation can occur through various mechanisms. Habituation is a form of non-associative learning where the response to a stimulus decreases with repeated exposure. Sensitization is the opposite, where the response increases. Harjumine encompasses these and other forms of adjustment, including desensitization, where a person is gradually exposed to a feared stimulus to reduce their fear response.

The process of harjumine is fundamental to everyday life, allowing individuals to navigate a complex world without being overwhelmed by constant novelty or threat. It plays a role in learning, social adaptation, and coping with stress. The rate and extent of harjumine can vary greatly depending on the individual, the nature of the stimulus, and the context of exposure. Understanding harjumine can be relevant in fields such as therapy, education, and even urban planning, as it sheds light on how people adapt to their surroundings and experiences.