The repeated association of pleasant relaxing states with stimuli that arouse fear is a central feature of

The correct answer is systematic desensitization.

Systematic desensitization refers to a technique for treating and extinguishing phobias and anxieties. It involves gradually increasing exposure to a phobia and learning relaxation techniques when faced with the phobia. Through repeated associations of a phobia with pleasant, relaxing states, the phobia or fear gradually gets extinguished.