Author: Glossary

A technique used in behavior therapy that focuses on negative habits or behaviors and aims to reduce or eliminate them by the use of reinforcement (e.g., rewarding a desired behavior or punishing an unwanted one). Relating, associating, and connecting observable responses and actions to antecedents and subsequent events and stimuli. Self-monitoring techniques useful in weight…

An approach to psychology first developed by john b. Watson (1878–1958) that rejected the notion of mental states and reduced all psychological phenomena to neural, muscular, and glandular responses. Contemporary behaviorism emphasizes the study of observable responses but is directed toward general behavior rather than discrete acts. It includes private events such as feelings and…

The study of human development, values, and interpersonal relationships. The behavioral sciences encompass fields such as psychiatry, psychology, cultural anthropology, sociology, and political science. The study of human development, values, and interpersonal relations. The encompass such areas of specialization as psychiatry, psychology, cultural anthropology, sociology, and political science. The science concerned with all aspects of…

The branch of neurology that concerns itself with functioning, such as language, memory, and purposeful or motivated activity or affect.    

A culture-specific dissogiative disorder found in Bali, believed to be caused by sorcery. The most common symptoms are sudden feelings of confusion, crying, screaming and shouting, followed by inability of the sufferer to control his or her actions. Most sufferers are aware of their behavior during an attack, and remember the occurrence afterwards. Bebainan attacks…

A series of physical and mental signs and symptoms experienced in combat and other dangerous, stressful missions.  

A collection of psychological symptoms, often considered a subcategory of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may occur in women who are exposed to repeated trauma, such as family violence. It includes at least three groups of symptoms that assist the mind and body in preparing to defend against threats, also known as the “fight-or-flight” response.…

Abnormal fear of depths; commonly refers to fear of height or of looking down from a high place. The fear of peering down from elevated locations.  

The infant’s sense of security in his or her relationship with the mother (parents, caregiver) that makes it possible for the infant to begin to recognize the parent as other and separate from the self. It is the basis of reality testing, the ability to relate to others, and the feeling of self-worth and self-esteem.…

In insurance policies, the minimum set of benefits that must be made available to the insured.