Counterconditioning is primarily used to achieve which of the following outcomes?

Counterconditioning is a behavioral modification technique used to change an animal's emotional response to a particular stimulus. The primary goal of counterconditioning is to replace an undesirable behavior—often based on fear, anxiety, or aggression—with a more desirable one. This process involves pairing the negative stimulus with a positive experience, so that the animal begins to respond to the previously fearful or stressful situation in a more positive way.

For instance, if a dog is afraid of strangers, counterconditioning might involve rewarding the dog with treats and praise when it remains calm in the presence of a stranger. Over time, the dog learns to associate strangers with positive experiences rather than fear, leading to a more desirable response.

This approach contrasts with merely heightening a negative behavior, which would be counterproductive. Instead of building fear or escaping learned behaviors, counterconditioning seeks to reshape the animal's behavior and emotional reactions in a constructive manner, ultimately leading to a healthier, more balanced response to the environment.