Author: Glossary
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Semantic dementia
One of three clinical syndromes associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration. A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of semantic memory in both the verbal and nonverbal domains. The most common presenting symptoms are in the verbal domain, with loss of word meaning. A group of brain disorders marked by nearly complete losses in the understanding…
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Self psychology
A theory of psychoanalytic psychology and a reconceptualization of the psychoanalytic treatment process developed by heinz kohut (1913–1981) in an effort to transcend the limitations of ego psychology that were highlighted by his experience in treating patients with narcissistic and borderline personality disorders. Self psychology is concerned not with the modulation of drives and the…
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Selfobject transference
In heinz kohut’s (1913–1981) theory of self psychology, a transference relationship in which the therapist serves as a selfobject for the patient by providing needed self-enhancing and self-regulatory functions and emotional stability, which can subsequently be internalized and transformed into the structure of the patient’s self. The therapist functions as a needed extension of the…
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Selfobject
In heinz kohut’s (1913–1981) theory of self psychology, another person (or sometimes an inanimate object or abstract concept) who is experienced as part of the self because of the psychological functions that the other person provides. The selfobject dimension of experience is usually unconscious but can be made conscious.
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Self-injurious behavior
A behavior in which people intentionally engage that causes physical bodily harm. Self-harm is often carried out when individuals attempt to deal with difficult or overwhelming emotions. Self-injury may take several forms, most commonly cutting, scraping, burning, biting, or hitting. Rationales for self-injury include feeling anger toward oneself or others and relieving pain, anger, and…
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Self-help groups
People with a common problem who collectively help one another by personal and group support. Examples are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Gamblers Anonymous (GA), and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Individuals with a common problem who come together periodically to assist each other in dealing with the problem.
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Self-fulfilling prophecy
A prediction or supposition of an event or a situation that, with frequent repetition, influences a person, the environment, or both to behave as expected by others in this social setting. Acting in ways that tend to make one’s expectations come true.
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Self-defeating personality disorder
Also known as masochistic personality. Its major manifestations include choosing people and situations that lead to disappointment or mistreatment despite the availability of other options; responding to positive personal events with guilt or pain-producing behavior; rejecting opportunities for pleasure or enjoyment; or perceiving oneself as undeserving of being treated well.
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Self
The psychophysical totality of a person, including both conscious and unconscious attributes. A perception and awareness of one’s own personality. In psychology, the sum of mind and body that constitutes the identity of a person.
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Selegiline transdermal system
A transdermal patch form of selegiline, a selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) b inhibitor approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Marketed under the brand name emsam.