DUTY TO PROTECT
Obligation of mental health professionals to protect third parties from harm.
DYNAMIC INTERACTIONISM
A model of behaviour and personality where development depends on a continuous and reciprocal interaction with the environment.
DYSAUTONOMIA
A dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system that includes impairment, failure or an over activity of the sympathetic or parasympathetic…
DYSOSTOSIS
The development of the skeleton that is effected by hereditary factors or due to improper care after birth. Usually sen…
DECENTRATION
Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development where a child slowly moves away from an egocentric world to a world shared…
DECISION-REDECISION METHOD
Technique used in transactional analysis allowing clients to re-experience decisions from childhood and choose to re-decide.
DECULTURATION
The process where aspects of one culture is lost after contact with another one. Compare acculturation.
DEFECATION REFLEX
The reflex that occurs in the rectum that is a response to pressure of faecal material. Also called rectal reflex.…
DEFENSIVE PROCESSING
Seeking out, encoding or interpreting information that supports an initial attitude. See biased elaboration- counter argument- selective information processing.
DEGRADATION
1. Neurophysiology. When a neurotransmitter is broken down into inactive metabilites. 2. The result of a declining in value, quality…
DEJA ENTENDU
Feeling that what you are hearing seems familiar. Though it has not been heard before.
DELAYED REFLEX
The response to stimulation that is a reflex action and occurs after and not immediately following the stimuli.
DELPHI TECHNIQUE
A way of developing and improving the consensus of a group by removing personal relationships and any dominant personalities.
DEMOCRATIC LEADER
A leader who establishes and maintains an egalitarian group climate where menbers can make choices, resolve issues and plan activities.
DENDRITIC SPINE
The outgrowth of a neuron along its dendrite. Synapses occur between these and axon terminals.
DEPENDENT-PART QUALITY
Gestalt psychology. The quality of a part that is derived from its relationship with the whole.