Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
habituation
Pronunciation: ha-bit-u-AY-shun
The process by which behaviors become routine and automatic through repetition and practice.
Full Definition
Habituation refers to the internalization of patterns of behavior into habits and routines that organize daily life and occupational performance. Within the Model of Human Occupation framework, habituation includes both habits (automatic behaviors) and roles (socially defined behavioral expectations). This concept is crucial in occupational therapy as it explains how individuals develop consistent patterns of engagement in daily activities. Disruption to habituation, such as through illness or injury, often requires therapeutic intervention to re-establish functional routines and role performance.
In Context
- "The intervention focused on re-establishing habituation patterns following the client's hospitalization." — Treatment plan
- "Disrupted habituation was identified as a primary factor affecting the client's morning routine performance." — Assessment report
Also known as
routine formation
Contrasted with
disrupted patterns
Don't confuse with
volition
adaptation