Kindling is a process in which a small amount of material is used to ignite a larger fire. It typically consists of dry, easily combustible items like twigs, leaves, or small pieces of wood. Kindling is essential for starting a fire, as it helps to catch the flame from a match or lighter and sustain it long enough for larger logs to catch fire. In the context of psychology, kindling refers to a phenomenon where repeated exposure to a stimulus increases the likelihood of a response. This concept is often discussed in relation to mood disorders and epilepsy, where initial episodes can lead to more frequent or severe occurrences over time.