Category: A

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

An anaphrodisiac is a substance, condition, or factor that reduces or suppresses sexual desire and arousal. In psychology and sexology, anaphrodisiacs are studied in relation to libido, sexual dysfunction, and the psychophysiological processes underlying sexual motivation. Factors that can act as anaphrodisiacs include certain medications such as antidepressants, high stress levels, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, relationship […]

Avoidance behavior refers to actions taken to escape or prevent exposure to feared, uncomfortable, or anxiety-provoking situations, thoughts, or feelings. While avoidance provides short-term relief from distress, it tends to reinforce and perpetuate anxiety over time by preventing the individual from learning that feared outcomes are unlikely or manageable. It is a central feature of […]

An axon is defined as a projection of a neuron which is long and thin and which sends electrical impulses away from the neuronal cell body towards other neurons, muscle tissues, and glands on which the neuron exerts its influence. It is fundamental to the functioning of a neuron as well as the formation of […]

An altered state of consciousness refers to a temporary mental condition in which perception, awareness, or thinking deviates from ordinary waking consciousness. These conditions can arise spontaneously (as in dreaming or daydreaming) or occur through the use of meditation, hypnosis, drugs, or sensory deprivation. The study of altered states of consciousness can provide insights into […]

Aggression can manifest itself in many ways, especially in a person’s intention or action; it may cause both physical and psychological harm and damage. There are four forms of aggression which are hostile and instrumental, where hostile aggression is aimed at injuring or hurting the target, whilst instrumental aggression is aimed at achieving some heightened […]

Assimilation is the mental process where a person adds new information, experiences, and ideas to pre-existing internal frameworks or cognitive schemas. This is a concept in Piaget’s theory of cognitive development where assimilation goes hand in hand with accommodation as a means of adjusting to the environment. For instance, a child who encounters a new […]

Ambiguity describes the inability to grasp the exact meaning of a stimulus or information. From the perspective of psychology, ambiguous situations, or phenomena, tend to invoke increased cognitive effort in an attempt to “solve” the uncertain stimulus. Tolerance of ambiguity differs from person to person; some find it interesting, while others tolerate it the sensation […]