Psychology: English Vocabulary List

a set of characteristics, behaviors, or qualities commonly observed in a specific situation or group of individuals

"This syndrome has symptoms."

"The doctor identified a specific syndrome based on the patient's cluster of symptoms."

(psychology) a mental condition in which a person has a false belief system that is contradicted by evidence

"His delusion was strong."

"The patient's persistent delusion that he was being followed caused significant distress."

a group of partly or completely repressed emotions or impulses that affect a person's behavior and patterns of thought

"He has a mother complex."

"The patient's behavior was attributed to a deeply rooted inferiority complex stemming from childhood experiences."

(psychology) the unconscious process in which an individual associates their feelings, ideas or attitudes to someone else as a defense mechanism

"His projection was obvious."

"When he accused his colleague of being jealous, it was a clear case of projection of his own insecurities."

a disease, illness, or medical condition that impairs normal physical or mental function

"He has a rare blood disorder."

"The doctor diagnosed her with a rare sleep disorder that made it nearly impossible to rest at night."

(psychology) the conscious part of the mind that mediates between the unconscious and the reality which gives one a sense of self

"His ego got hurt."

"The artist's inflated ego often interfered with his ability to accept constructive criticism from others."

(psychology) the part of the unconscious mind that is the source of basic instincts and drives

"The id seeks pleasure."

"the id seeks instant pleasure."

mental condition that causes extreme and unusual changes in one's energy level, mood, or emotions

"He experienced a mania."

"During his manic episodes, he displayed an overwhelming surge of energy and an inability to sleep for days."

(psychology) mental processes through which knowledge and understanding are acquired

"Cognition helps us learn things."

"As people age, their cognition tends to decline, making it harder to learn new skills and remember details."

a person's awareness, viewpoint, or attitude regarding a specific issue or domain

"Consciousness is awareness."

"The patient lost consciousness for a few seconds after hitting his head on the ground."

the part of the mind that is not currently in focused awareness, but still influences thoughts, feelings, and behavior, often through automatic or involuntary processes

"It came from subconscious."

"A recurring dream might be a manifestation of unresolved issues residing in the subconscious mind."

the part of the mind where thoughts, feelings, and memories exist without a person being aware of them

"It's in the unconscious."

"Freudian psychoanalysis aims to bring repressed desires from the unconscious into conscious awareness for healing."

a medical condition of the mind caused by extreme shock, which could last for a very long time

"The trauma was severe."

"Experiencing a significant childhood trauma can have long-lasting psychological effects on an individual's adult life."