DISCRIMINANT FUNCTION
A statistical technique used to place an item when it belongs to more than 2 variables with a minimum error…
DISEASE MODEL
A theory concerned with the cause and course of a pathological condition or process.
DISINTEGRATION OF PERSONALITY
The fragmentation of the personality where the person is longer a unified individual with predictable traits and responses.
DISORGANIZED SCHIZOPHRENIA
A subtype of schizophrenia where a person has random and fragmented speech and beahviour with grimaces, laughter and an extreme…
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR DISORDER
A psychiatric disorder showing disruptive behaviour sever enough that is creates an impairment in social or occupational functioning.
DISSONANCE REDUCTION
Process where a person reduces an uncofortable psychological state resulting from an inconsistency of cognitive systems. See bolstering of an…
DISTORTION
1. Unconscious process of altering emotions and thoughts or the conscious misrepresentation of facts. 2. Psychoanalytic theory. Using dream work…
DISTURBANCE OF ASSOCIATION
Interrupting a logical chain of accepted thought giving rise to confused and haphazard thinking. See also schizophrenic thinking- thought disorder.
DIVERSIVE EXPLORATION
The exploratory behaviour used to seek novel and activating stimuli to increase arousal. Compare inspective exploration.
DOUBLE ALTERNATION
Experimental research. The patern where 2 consecutive events of one kind alternate with 2 separate events of another kind. See…
DOWN SYNDROME
A chromosomal disorder featuring an extra 21 or 22 chromosome and is one of the most common forms of retardation.
DROP-IN CENTER
A facility sometimes associated with a substance abuse program wherea person can get professional support without making an appointment.