Hi, my name is Yliana, and I study at Ahuntsic College in Montreal. I am a psychology student and have been in this program for two years. This is a glossary about psychology. This glossary will help you understand key concepts, terms, and theories that are foundational to the field of psychology. It provides clear definitions that can improve your understanding of psychological topics. It can also be a valuable tool for students studying in this field like me .
I used my English textbooks to help me find the words and Google for the images. Now, I invite you to take a look at my glossary.
anxiety
noun
a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
Example: He felt a surge of anxiety
en: anxiété
Behaviorism
noun
is a theoretical approach in psychology that focuses on studying observable behaviors, rather than internal mental processes. It emphasizes that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment, and it often involves the use of conditioning (both classical and operant) to explain how behavior is acquired and modified. Behaviorism suggests that behavior can be understood and changed through stimuli and responses, without needing to consider thoughts or emotions.
Example: According to behaviorism, children’s actions can be shaped by rewards and punishments, as they learn through their interactions with the environment.
en: Behaviorisme
Bias
noun
prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.
Example: There was evidence of bias against foreign applicants
en: Biais
burnout
noun
a state of significant mental and physical exhaustion resulting from excessive stress (professional and/or emotional) accumulated over a period of time; burnout is not synonymous with depression, but may result in depression or be accompanied by a depressive state. This state significantly affects the individual's functioning.
en: épuisement professionnel
child development
noun
child development involves the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the conclusion of adolescence. It is particularly from birth to five years a foundation for a prosperous and sustainable society.
Example: Child development is influenced by their environment, social interactions, and daily experiences.
en: développement de l'enfant
cognition
noun
the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.
Example: Cognitive development in children plays a crucial role in their ability to think, learn, and solve problems.
en: cognition
dependance
noun
dependence refers to the state of relying on or needing someone or something for support, assistance, or survival. It can also refer to a condition where an individual becomes reliant on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, to function normally.
Example: His dependence on caffeine made it difficult for him to focus without it.
en: dépendance
discrimination
noun
the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of ethnicity, age, sex, or disability.
Example: Discrimination in the workplace can create an unfair environment and hinder employees potential.
en: discrimination
disposition
noun
a person's inherent qualities of mind and character.
Example: According to psychological studies, an individual's disposition can greatly influence their reactions to stress and social situations.
en: disposition
empathy
noun
the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: Her ability to show empathy towards others made her a compassionate listener and a trusted friend.
en: empathie
Evolutionary Psychology
noun
an approach in the social and natural sciences that examines psychological traits such as memory, perception, and language from a modern evolutionary perspective.
Example: Evolutionary psychology suggests that many human behaviors and traits are shaped by the need for survival and reproduction throughout our evolutionary history.
en: Psychologie Évolutionniste
flooding
noun
share button. n. a technique in behavior therapy in which the individual is exposed directly to a maximum-intensity anxiety-producing situation or stimulus, either described or real, without any attempt made to lessen or avoid anxiety or fear during the exposure.
Example: A person with a fear of heights might undergo flooding therapy, where they are taken to the top of a tall building and exposed to the view until their anxiety diminishes.
en: Thérapie par eau
halo effect
noun
the tendency for an impression created in one area to influence opinion in another area.
Example: Due to the halo effect, the manager assumed that the employee who was always punctual was also highly competent in all aspects of their work.
en: effet de halo
hypermnesia
noun
exceptionally exact or vivid memory , especially as associated with certain mental illnesses.
Example: Her hypermnesia allowed her to recall even the smallest details from events that happened many years ago.
en: hypermnésie
ideal self
noun
an evolving construct which represents the goals and aspirations of an individual.
Example: John often compares his current life to his ideal self, imagining a successful career and a balanced personal life, which motivates him to work harder toward his goals.
en: Soi idéal
intergenerational
noun
relating to, involving, or affecting several generations.
Example: Many children of war veterans experience intergenerational trauma, carrying the emotional scars of their parents' experiences even if they were not directly involved in the conflict.
en: intergénérationnel
intuition
noun
the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.
Example: Her intuition told her that something was wrong, even though there were no obvious signs to explain it
en: intuition
mental
adjectives
Involving the mind or an intellectual process.
Example: She is working hard to improve her mental strength before the big competition.
en: mentale
mental health
noun
a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.
Example: Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
en: santé mentale
schizophrenia
noun
a serious mental condition of a type involving a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion, and a sense of mental fragmentation.
Example: People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations and delusions, which can make it difficult for them to distinguish between reality and imagination.