AROUSAL-REDUCTION MECHANISM

any stimulus or reaction that decreases the degree of arousal within an individual after arousal has reached an uncomfortably high level. According to British-born Canadian psychologist Daniel E. Berlyne (1924-1976), a sharp increase in arousal can have unpleasant or aversive effects. An arousal- reduction mechanism may have a natural inhibitory effect on CNS circuits to strong stimulation or it may result from a stimulus that conveys a sense of harmony or peace. Compare with arousal-boost mechanism.