Psychology Terms A–Z

Rationalization is a defense mechanism where we unconsciously create logical-sounding explanations for actions or feelings that are difficult to accept. It's a natural protective response of the mind that everyone uses without realizing it.

Anxiolytics are medications that reduce anxiety, tension, and fear by enhancing the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Homeostasis is the natural tendency of our body and mind to maintain a stable, balanced state. Just as body temperature stays constant, our emotions and psychological states also seek equilibrium.

Medications prescribed to relieve symptoms of depression by regulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

Antipsychotic medications treat psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions by acting primarily on dopamine receptors. Consistent use under a specialist's care is essential.

Antipsychotics are medications that reduce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking by regulating dopamine activity in the brain.

A short-term therapy that focuses on solutions rather than problems. It looks for answers in 'what is already going well.'

A counseling technique that focuses on solutions and positive change rather than digging into the causes of problems. It helps clients discover the resources and strengths they already possess.

Detoxification is the medical process of safely removing drugs or toxins from the body.

An experience where consciousness, memory, identity, and perception become separated or disconnected from one another. It can range from mild everyday experiences to severe clinical conditions.

Harry Harlow was a psychologist who studied the nature of attachment and love. Through his famous monkey experiments, he proved that physical contact and emotional bonds are just as vital to survival as food and nourishment.

A condition where a person is unable to recall important personal memories related to trauma.

Dissociative fugue is a rare dissociative phenomenon where a person suddenly forgets their identity and unexpectedly wanders away from home or work.

A condition where two or more distinct personality states exist, causing disruptions in behavior, consciousness, and memory.

The hippocampus is a vital part of the brain responsible for forming and storing memories. It gets its name from its seahorse-like shape.

The deepest beliefs you hold about yourself, other people, and the world around you.

The fourth stage of the Transtheoretical Model in which a person is actively making observable behavioral changes, typically within the first six months.

A pattern where a behavior like gaming, gambling, shopping, or scrolling starts to feel hard to stop.

A therapy approach that helps depression by starting small, doable actions again.

A field that connects health, behavior, and emotions.

Happiness is a state in which you frequently experience positive emotions, feel satisfied with life, and find a sense of meaning.

Nostalgia is a bittersweet emotion where you fondly long for the good times of the past.

Healthy ways to handle the longing and loneliness that come with being away from home or the places you love.

A parenting style that is warm and loving, but has very few rules or limits.

False Memory Syndrome is the phenomenon of vividly remembering events that never actually happened, as though they were real personal experiences. It reveals how our memories are more incomplete and susceptible to outside influence than we might think.

False confession is when a person who did not actually commit a crime admits to doing it due to psychological pressure or various other reasons. It occurs more often than most people would expect.

The study of psychological mechanisms that lead innocent people to falsely confess to crimes they did not commit. It reveals how the human mind can be destabilized under extreme circumstances.

Steadily giving your time, energy, and care to a relationship, goal, or value that matters to you.

Hermann Rorschach was a Swiss psychiatrist who developed the famous inkblot test (Rorschach test). He sought to understand people's inner psychology by examining what they see in ambiguous images.

Helicopter parenting refers to an overprotective parenting style where parents are excessively involved in every aspect of their child's life.

Status quo bias is the mind's tendency to prefer keeping things as they are, even when change might actually be the better choice.

A state of mind where you fully direct your attention to the here and now, free from regrets about the past or worries about the future.

A protective filter that helps keep harmful substances out of the brain.

A therapy approach where therapist and client work together as partners in conversation.

This is the stage (around age 11+) when abstract and hypothetical thinking becomes possible. Children begin to think more like adults.

Sibling rivalry refers to the competition and conflict that arises between brothers and sisters as they compete for parental attention, affection, or family resources.

A desire to learn, explore, or understand something new.

Hormones in our body have a major influence on mood and emotions. Changes in various hormones such as serotonin, cortisol, and estrogen can shape our emotional state.

The Hawthorne Effect is the phenomenon where people change their behavior simply because they know they are being observed. The feeling of receiving attention can bring positive changes to a person's performance or attitude.

Hospice care is an integrated approach that helps terminally ill patients spend their remaining time comfortably and with dignity. It focuses on quality of life rather than curative treatment.

Simple ways of breathing that can help calm your body and mind.

A confusing attachment pattern that forms when the caregiver who is supposed to provide safety is also a source of fear.

Feeling depressed when you're alone is a natural response for us as social beings. You can learn to create healthy solo time that actually feels good.

A very distressing state where manic and depressive symptoms appear at the same time.

Anger is a natural emotion. The key isn't to eliminate anger, but to learn how to express it in a healthy way.

Managing screen time means healthily regulating how much time you spend on digital devices like smartphones and computers. Excessive screen time can affect your sleep, concentration, and emotional well-being.

This topic covers the wide range of effects that time spent looking at screens — smartphones, computers, TVs, and more — has on your mind and body.

A Korean culture-related condition in which long-held resentment and anger lead to symptoms such as chest tightness, a sensation of heat, and a feeling of something welling up inside.

Video Call Fatigue is the distinct mental and physical exhaustion that builds up from extended video meetings and calls. It stems from the constant self-awareness in front of a camera and the extra cognitive effort needed to process nonverbal cues, which drains your energy in ways that ordinary conversations don't.

The idea that positive emotions widen our perspective and help us build lasting inner resources.