REWARD SENSITIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Reward sensitization refers to a psychological and neurobiological phenomenon wherein an individual's sensitivity or responsiveness to rewarding stimuli is significantly increased over time. It is a process that occurs as a result of repeated exposure or experience with rewarding stimuli, leading to an amplified motivational value and heightened anticipation and pursuit of rewards.
From a psychological perspective, reward sensitization involves an enhanced behavioral and cognitive response towards rewards. This increased sensitivity may manifest as heightened excitement, motivation, or desire for reward-related experiences. Individuals undergoing reward sensitization may exhibit an enhanced preference for rewarding stimuli, increased craving, and a stronger emotional reaction towards rewards.
On a neurobiological level, reward sensitization is often associated with changes in the brain's reward circuitry. Repeated exposure to rewarding stimuli can result in neuroadaptive changes, leading to alterations in the release and availability of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system. These neurochemical changes can lead to a heightened response to rewards and increased reinforcement for reward-seeking behaviors.
Reward sensitization has been implicated in a variety of psychological and behavioral conditions, including addiction, compulsive behaviors, and certain psychiatric disorders. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial in comprehending the mechanisms underlying these conditions and developing effective interventions or treatments.
Overall, reward sensitization refers to the process whereby an individual's responsiveness to rewarding stimuli is amplified through repeated exposure, leading to increased motivation and pursuit of rewards.
Etymology of REWARD SENSITIZATION
The word "reward sensitization" is a term that combines two separate concepts: "reward" and "sensitization".
The term "reward" originates from the Old French word "reworder" which means "to regard" or "to take note of". It then evolved into the Middle English word "rewarden" which means "to regard with gratitude or kindness" or "to give a gift or prize as a token of gratitude or recognition". The word ultimately traces its roots back to the Latin word "rewards" which means "to keep or guard back" or "to be on the watch".
