Who is known for using counter-conditioning to eliminate fear responses?

Mary Cover Jones is known for using counter-conditioning to eliminate fear responses, particularly in her work with a young boy named Peter, who had a fear of rabbits. She demonstrated that by gradually exposing Peter to the rabbit while pairing it with pleasurable stimuli (such as sweets), she could reduce his fear over time. This process of counter-conditioning involves replacing the negative response to a stimulus (in this case, fear) with a positive response, thereby modifying the individual's reaction to the feared object.

Jones' method is significant in the field of psychology as it laid the groundwork for later behavior modification techniques used in treating phobias and anxiety disorders. By showcasing effective strategies to alter fear responses, her work has influenced both therapeutic practices and further research in behavioral psychology.