HomeCategoriesPsychology

Psychology

The science of mind and behavior — cognitive processes, personality, development, social dynamics, and clinical concepts.

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Total terms
9
Subcategories
2 min
Avg. read time
52 terms
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Adolescence
This stage of development occurs between childhood and adulthood, typically from ages 10 to 19. It involves significant physical, emotional, and social changes as individuals transition to maturity.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
A
Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)
An Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) refers to traumatic events that occur during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. These experiences can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental and physical health as they grow older.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Aging Psychology
This field studies how people think, feel, and behave as they age. It explores the psychological changes and challenges that occur throughout the aging process.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Anxious Attachment
Anxious attachment is a type of insecure attachment style where individuals often feel insecure about their relationships. They may worry excessively about their partner's availability and fear abandonment, leading to clingy or overly dependent behavior.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Attachment Style (adult)
Attachment style in adults refers to the way individuals relate to others in relationships, shaped by their early experiences with caregivers. It influences how people communicate, trust, and connect with partners or friends.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Attachment Theory
A psychological model that explains how early relationships with caregivers shape a person's emotional and social development. It identifies different attachment styles that influence how individuals connect with others throughout their lives.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Authoritarian Parenting
A style of parenting characterized by high demands and low responsiveness is known as authoritarian parenting. Parents who use this approach enforce strict rules and expect obedience without providing much warmth or feedback.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Authoritative Parenting
This parenting style combines high expectations with warmth and support. It encourages children to be independent while also providing guidance and structure.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Avoidant Attachment
This term refers to a style of attachment where individuals tend to avoid closeness and emotional connection with others. People with avoidant attachment often feel uncomfortable with intimacy and may prioritize independence over relationships.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Bereavement
It refers to the period of mourning and grief that follows the death of a loved one. Bereavement can deeply affect emotional and psychological well-being, influencing how individuals cope with loss.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Brain Development
It refers to the process through which the brain grows and changes over time. This development is crucial for cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and overall functioning.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Cognitive Aging
Cognitive aging refers to the natural changes in cognitive abilities that occur as people grow older. This includes changes in memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, which can affect daily life and overall functioning.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
C
Concrete Operational Stage
The Concrete Operational Stage is a phase in child development where children begin to think logically about concrete events. This stage typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11, allowing children to understand concepts like conservation and reversibility.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Conservation (Piaget)
Conservation is a concept in developmental psychology introduced by Jean Piaget, which refers to a child's ability to understand that certain properties of objects, such as volume, mass, and number, remain the same even when their shape or arrangement changes. This cognitive skill typically develops between the ages of 7 and 11, marking a key stage in a child's intellectual growth.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Conventional Morality
This is a stage of moral development where individuals base their ethical decisions on social norms and the expectations of others. It emphasizes conformity, loyalty, and maintaining social order.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Critical Period
A critical period is a specific time frame in development when the brain is particularly receptive to learning certain skills or information. If these opportunities are missed, it may be much harder to acquire those skills later on.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Death and Dying
Death and dying refer to the end of life and the process that leads to it. This includes the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of facing mortality.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Disorganized Attachment
A type of insecure attachment, disorganized attachment occurs when a child displays inconsistent behaviors toward a caregiver, often due to fear or confusion. It can arise from experiences of trauma or neglect, leading to difficulties in relationships and emotional regulation later in life.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
E
Egocentrism (Piaget)
Egocentrism is a concept from Piaget's theory of cognitive development that describes a child's inability to see things from perspectives other than their own. This means young children often believe that everyone thinks and feels the same way they do. It is an important stage in their cognitive growth.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Erikson's Stages
This concept outlines eight stages of human development, each characterized by a specific conflict that must be resolved for healthy psychological growth. These stages span from infancy to late adulthood, highlighting the importance of social and emotional challenges throughout life.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Formal Operational Stage
The Formal Operational Stage is the fourth and final stage of cognitive development, according to Jean Piaget. It typically occurs from around age 12 and onward, where individuals develop the ability to think abstractly, logically, and systematically.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Gender Development
It refers to the process through which individuals understand and develop their gender identity and roles. This development is influenced by a mix of biological, social, and environmental factors.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Gender Identity
It refers to a person's internal sense of their own gender, which may be male, female, a blend of both, or neither. This identity can align with or differ from the sex assigned at birth.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Generativity vs Stagnation
This concept refers to a stage in life where individuals either contribute to society and support future generations (generativity) or feel stagnant and unproductive (stagnation). It is a key part of human development, particularly in middle adulthood.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Grief
Grief is the emotional response to loss, often associated with the death of a loved one. It involves a range of feelings, including sadness, anger, and confusion, and can affect people differently based on their experiences and relationships.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Identity Development
This process involves how individuals form their sense of self and personal identity over time. It encompasses the exploration of values, beliefs, and goals that shape who a person is.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Identity vs Role Confusion
This concept refers to a stage in human development where individuals explore their identity and the roles they play in society. It is a critical phase, especially during adolescence, where confusion can arise about personal values and social expectations.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Integrity vs Despair
Integrity vs Despair is a stage in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, typically occurring in old age. It involves reflecting on one's life and either feeling a sense of fulfillment and wisdom or regret and despair over missed opportunities.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Intimacy vs Isolation
This concept refers to the challenge individuals face during young adulthood, where they must balance forming deep relationships (intimacy) with the risk of feeling isolated. Successfully achieving intimacy leads to strong connections, while failure can result in loneliness and emotional distress.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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John Bowlby
An influential psychologist, Bowlby is best known for developing attachment theory, which explains the importance of early relationships in child development. His work highlights how secure attachments can lead to healthier emotional and social outcomes throughout life.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Kohlberg's Stages
Kohlberg's Stages are a theory that explains how people develop their understanding of morality and ethical reasoning. This framework outlines six stages of moral development, grouped into three levels, showing how individuals progress from basic rules to more complex ethical principles.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Kübler-Ross Model
The Kübler-Ross Model is a framework that outlines the stages people go through when dealing with grief and loss. It includes five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, helping individuals understand their emotional responses during difficult times.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Language Acquisition (developmental)
Language acquisition is the process through which children learn to understand and speak their native language. This developmental process typically occurs in early childhood and involves the gradual mastery of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Mary Ainsworth
Ainsworth was a psychologist known for her work on attachment theory, which explores how children form emotional bonds with their caregivers. Her research highlighted different attachment styles and their impact on child development.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Moral Development
This concept refers to the way people develop a sense of right and wrong throughout their lives. It involves understanding moral principles and how to apply them in various situations.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
O
Object Permanence
This concept refers to the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen or heard. It is a crucial developmental milestone in early childhood.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Parenting Styles
Parenting styles refer to the different approaches that parents use to raise their children. These styles can significantly influence a child's development and behavior.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Permissive Parenting
This parenting style is characterized by a high level of responsiveness and low demands. Parents who practice permissive parenting are lenient, allowing their children significant freedom and autonomy.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Piaget's Stages
This concept describes the four stages of cognitive development proposed by Jean Piaget, which outline how children's thinking evolves over time. Each stage represents a different way of understanding the world, from birth through adolescence.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Postconventional Morality
This is a stage of moral development where individuals base their decisions on personal principles and ethical reasoning rather than on societal rules or laws. It reflects a deeper understanding of justice, rights, and the greater good.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Preconventional Morality
This type of morality is the first stage of moral development, where individuals base their decisions on avoiding punishment and seeking rewards. It is primarily seen in children, who understand right and wrong through direct consequences rather than societal rules.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
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Preoperational Stage
The Preoperational Stage is a phase in child development, typically occurring between ages 2 and 7, where children begin to think symbolically and use language but do not yet understand concrete logic. During this stage, they engage in imaginative play and struggle with understanding the viewpoints of others.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Scaffolding (Vygotsky)
Scaffolding is a teaching method that helps students learn by providing support and guidance as they tackle new tasks. This approach allows learners to gradually become more independent as they gain skills and confidence.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Secure Attachment
A secure attachment is a healthy emotional bond formed between a child and their caregiver, characterized by trust and a sense of safety. This type of attachment allows children to explore their environment while knowing they can return to a supportive figure for comfort. It plays a crucial role in a child's emotional and social development.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Sensitive Period
A sensitive period is a specific time frame in a person's development when they are particularly receptive to certain experiences or learning. During this time, the brain is more adaptable and can easily absorb new information or skills.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Sensorimotor Stage
The Sensorimotor Stage is the first stage in Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, occurring from birth to about 2 years old. During this stage, infants learn about the world through their senses and actions, developing essential skills like object permanence.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Sex vs Gender
Sex refers to the biological differences between males and females, such as reproductive organs and chromosomes, while gender is about the roles, behaviors, and identities that society associates with being male or female. Understanding the distinction is important for recognizing how individuals experience their identities and how society shapes those experiences.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
S
Strange Situation
The Strange Situation is a research method used to observe attachment relationships between a caregiver and a child. It involves a series of separations and reunions to assess how children respond to stress and comfort.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
S
Successful Aging
Successful aging refers to the process of maintaining physical health, mental well-being, and social engagement as one grows older. It involves adapting to the changes that come with aging while continuing to enjoy life and contribute to society.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Theory of Mind
It is the ability to understand that other people have thoughts, beliefs, and desires that may differ from one's own. This skill helps in predicting and interpreting others' behavior. It develops during childhood and is crucial for effective social interactions.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min
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Uninvolved Parenting
Uninvolved parenting is a style where parents are emotionally detached and provide little guidance or attention to their children. This lack of involvement can lead to negative outcomes in a child's development and emotional well-being.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology1 min
Z
Zone of Proximal Development
The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is a concept in psychology that refers to the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with guidance. It highlights the potential for learning when support is provided by a more knowledgeable person, such as a teacher or peer.
BeginnerDevelopmental Psychology2 min