Latest Terms Added
-
Ability
Ability is the capability to perform a given task within a given time frame. Within the realm of psychology, we talk about cognitive ability (problem-solving, mental reasoning), emotional (empathy, ability to regulate one’s emotions), and physical (coordination, strength) ability. The various forms of ability can either be developed over time through educational and experiential inputs…
-
Psychological-dysfunction
Psychological dysfunction pertains to specific thoughts, feelings, or actions that cause distress or hinder the daily functioning of an individual. It is one of the key defining characteristics of mental disorders. The source of dysfunction is multifactorial, deriving either from biological, cognitive, or contextual elements. It can be the absence of order within thoughts, an…
-
Mere-exposure-effect
The Mere Exposure Effect is the ability for one to acquire a positive perception of a person, object, or stimulus by virtue of increasing familiarity, hence repeated exposures to the person, object, or stimulus. Proposed by Robert Zajonc, the effect suggests that familiarity, even under conditions of absence of awareness, results in positive affection. The…
-
Recessive-allele
A recessive allele can be characterized as a genetic variant that will only express a biological feature if it is coupled with a counterpart recessive allele. Learning disabilities, psychological, and impolite temperaments are all traits that recessive alleles may express in behavioral genetics. Retrieving genetic inheritance maps enables psychologists and geneticists unrestricted access when determining…
-
Sense-of-self
An individual’s sense of self involves an awareness of and reflection on one’s identity, values, beliefs, and personality attributes. Within self-concept theory, it impacts and regulates decisions, actions, and interpersonal relations. A stable self-concept is essential for positive mental health; however, an uncertain, compromised sense of self may foster identity confusion and low self-worth. Example:…
-
Abnormal
In psychology, the term abnormal pertains to actions, lines of thinking, and feelings which diverge from the societal or functional ‘norm’ to a greater degree than what is considered common. Psychology concentrates on the irrational part and the disorders which accompany it, distress, along with dysfunctional behavior. It aims to grasp and find a way…
-
Guilt
Guilt occurs when a person thinks that they have transgressed their own moral codes or personal standards. Guilt can be construed as a key component for the psychology of a functioning human being as empathy or accountability remorse revolves around a profoundly moral nucleus. Nonetheless, its aberration can be a precursor to panic or depressive…
-
Delta-wave
Delta waves are the least frequent brainwaves, oscillating under 4 Hz and more than 0.5 Hz, and are connected with unconscious states and profoundly restful sleep. Delta brainwave activity, in physical and mental recovery aspects, as well as emotional regulation and neural reconstruction, is considered a crossroads in psychology and neuroscience. An abnormal condition that…
-
Eroticism
The term ‘eroticism’ has various interpretations. It can be expressed as a sexual desire, fantasy, or attraction with emotional, psychological, and physical components. In psychology, it relates more to the mentality encompassing feelings associated with a ‘mental erection’ rather than the physical act. Freud associated eroticism with Eros, the life instinct, whose currents give rise…
-
Similarity
In psychology, similarity is defined as the extent to which people, objects, or ideas have common attributes. It is essential in perception, attraction, and learning. The similarity principle states that people are likely to establish relational and associative groupings with those who are like them in terms of values, alignment, interests, or physical characteristics. In…
-
Hypermotility
Hypermotility denotes increased movement or activity either abnormally, either physically or physiologically. In psychology or medicine, describing excessive restlessness or hyperactivity, frequently correlating with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or an active mania, is hypermotility. Physiologically, it can mean increased movement of the gut. Knowing hypermotility is helpful in determining potential clinical neurological, emotional, or developmental…
-
Symbolism
In psychology, symbolism pertains to using an idea, action, or object to stand for or represent something beyond its literal meaning. Freud and Jung focused on dreams and art and argued that such forms could reveal unconscious processes. Noting emotionally charged symbols enables therapists to address unresolved conflicts. Indirect “symbolic” expressions are easier to articulate,…
-
Injunctive-norm
Injunctive norms relate to societal expectations regarding which behaviors in a group are accepted and which are frowned upon. These norms impact moral choices, conformity, and self-regulation in the field of psychology. Individuals are motivated to comply with injunctive norms to obtain social acceptance, or to sidestep the costs associated with social rejection. The comprehension…
-
Statistical-significance
In psychology, the concept of statistical significance refers to the notion that the results of a study, based on a pre-specified likelihood (most commonly p < .05), can be interpreted as meaning the study results are unlikely to have occurred by chance. Statistical significance suggests that the effects or relationships in question are real, and…
-
Hypnotic-regression
Hypnotic regression is a therapeutic strategy that involves guiding patients back to prior memories via hypnosis. In psychology, regression serves to bring back emotions, events, or traumas from the past which were buried, dissociated or unresolved. The primary aim is to allow patients to surface subconscious issues that are operant in the now. It is,…
-
Latent-variable
A latent variable is one of the variable factors which is non-observable but affects other behaviors which are measurable. In psychology, latent variables deal with abstract variables such as intelligence, anxiety, and motivation, and they are variables which are aimed at directly measuring and hypothesizing with observable indicators such as test scores or other survey…
-
Latent-learning
Latent learning occurs when a subject learns something without any observable changes in behavior, without immediate reinforcement, and only shows it when the situation prompts it. In psychology, it shows that people can acquire knowledge passively without motivation and reward. Edward Tolman demonstrated this with rats in mazes, showing that learning can occur “silently” and…
-
Self-worth
Self-worth denotes the worth and respect a person has for themselves which is not reliant on accomplishments or the gratifications received from others. In psychology, it is regarded as a component of the self-concept and general self-related psychosocial functioning. High self-worth is associated with greater confidence and resilience, while low self-worth is correlated with greater…
-
Adult
In psychology, an adult is an individual who is fully developed physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Adulthood is characterized by the attainment of self-governance, duty, and a cohesive and enduring self-concept, as evidenced by the achievement of certain benchmarks including the establishment of a career and the formation of significant personal relationships. Psychologists categories adulthood into…
-
Longilineal
The slender and long-limbed body type is described as longilineal. In older psychological and constitutional typologies, body type was thought to correlate with certain personality characteristics or mental predispositions as proposed by Ernst Kretschmer and William Sheldon. Although modern psychology does not embrace such rigid body-type theories, the term is still used in anthropometric and…