D

n23

DISTAL STIMULUS

The object that acts or stimulates a sense organ. Also called distal variable. Compare proximal stimulus.

DISTRESS

A negative emotional state with no identifiable quality.

DISUSE THEORY OF AGING

Theory that a decline in psychological abilities from aging is due to not using the abilities.

DIVORCE

The legal dissolution of a marriage. See emotional divorce.

DOLORIMETER

Device that measures pain.

DOMINANCE STATISTIC

The index that measures the number of cases in one group that is greater than cases in another group.

DOPA (DOPA)

The precurser to dopamine and other catecholamines. See levodopa.

DORSAL ROOT

A spinal root conveying sensory nerve fibres and entering the spinal cord dorsally. Also called posterior root. Compare ventral root.

DOUBLE DISSOCIATION

Research process used to demonstrate the action of 2 separable psychological or biological systems such as the types of memory

DOWNWARD COMMUNICATION

The transmission of information from higher levels of management to lower levels and subordinates. See channels of communication- communication network.

DREAM CENSORSHIP

Psychoanalytic theory.Dusguising unconscious wishes in dreams that would disturb the ego if made while awake. See censor.

DRILL

The methodical repitition of a physical or mental response used in learning.

DRUG CULTURE

The lifestyle of people who take and abuse drugs that create an altered form of consciousness.

DUAL DIAGNOSIS

Identifying 2 distict disoreders present at the same time. See comorbidity.

DUMMY

Used in a double blind drug trial where the dummy or placebo is identical to the drug being trialled.

DUTY TO WARN

The obligation of a health professional to warn a third party of potential harm by a client. See duty to

DYNAMIC MODEL

Psychoanalytic theory. The view that the psyche can be explained by the underlying drives and instincts. Compare economic model- topographic

DYSBASIA

Having a difficulty of walking due to a neurological or psychological disorder.

DYSGRAMMATISM

The persistent use of incorrect grammar as a symptom of aphasia. See agrammatism.

DYSPAREUNIA

Painful sexual intercourse.