Substance Abuse Disorders

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PROPENSITY

A tendency toward a particular behavior or action.

PSYCHODIAGNOSIS

A diagnostic technique for the determination of underlying factors in behavior and disordered behavior. Also, the diagnosis of disorder through

PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

The scientific study of mental disorder(s). The field covers the theory, research, diagnosis and treatment of psychological diseases. It is

PURPOSIVE BEHAVIORISM

A theory in cognitive learning that states that behavioral acts have an underlying purpose. And that all goals of the

REACTION TIME (RT)

The time that passes between the introduction of a stimulus and the reaction by the subject to that stimulus.

RECIPROCAL ROLES

Behavior patterns shown by those in a particular position in a group in response to others' patterns of behavior in

RELATIVE DEPRIVATION

A feeling of deprivation occurring when one compares themselves to another, regardless of objective reality. Se also: social comparison theory.

RESISTANCE

Act or instance of resisting; having the ability to resist. In psychology, the process by which the ego refuses to

REWARD

Layman terminology which is almost synonymous with the psychology term reinforcement.

RULE-GOVERNED BEHAVIOR

Conduct which is contingent upon oral antecedents, including following directions (as when children clean their bedroom simply because instructed to)

SECONDARY GAINS

In psychoanalysis, social, occupational, or interpersonal advantages that a patient derives from symptoms. Indirect benefit, usually obtained through an illness

PREVENTION

A strategy designed to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of disease, disorders and/or social problems. Prevention could be focused on

PROBLEM BEHAVIOR

Behavior that is determined to be destructive, antisocial or against the common good.

PROPOSITION

In the field of philosophy, a proposition is anything that is either asserted or denied and is capable of being

PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY

Psychotherapy strong on psychoanalytical tradition; viewing individuals as reacting to unconscious forces. Common traits of the psychodynamic approach are an

PSYCHOPHARMACOTHERAPY

The study and use of pharmacological agents in mental disorders. For example, depression is treated with the administration of anti-depressants.

PURPOSIVISM

An explanation of actions or behaviors based on goals and purposes. of those being observed.

REACTIVE

Responsive to a geiven stimuli or situation..2. Describing emotions associated with an espisode. The emotions are secondary to the actual

RECOLLECTION

The action of recalling past incidents and activities, an operation that takes place automatically in everyday life, as well as

RELATIVE EFFICIENCY

Ratio of efficiency between two procedures, theoretically depending on sample size for the given procedure, though most often used in