Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

How is habituation related to immune response?

1. It enhances immune responses

2. It diminishes immune response strength

3. It has no effect on immune responses

4. It reinforces immune responses

The correct answer is: It diminishes immune response strength

Habituation is a psychological process where an organism gradually stops responding to a stimulus after repeated exposure to it. This phenomenon is not limited to changes in behavior; it can also extend to physiological responses, including immune reactions. When a particular stimulus, such as an ongoing infection or an antigen, is consistently present, the immune system may begin to show a diminished response over time. This reduction is akin to how habituation works; the immune system “learns” not to overreact to stimuli that are no longer novel or threatening. This serves as a protective mechanism to prevent the immune system from becoming overactive, which could lead to issues like tissue damage or autoimmune responses. In this context, the option that states it diminishes immune response strength accurately reflects how habituation influences the immune system. The immune system adapts to repeated exposures, leading to a more tempered response, which aligns with the concept of habituation seen in other areas of physiology and behavior.