Definition: Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth, explains how early emotional bonds with caregivers shape an individual’s social, emotional, and relational development throughout life. These …
Definition: Karen Horney was a pioneering psychoanalyst who challenged traditional Freudian theories, particularly the concept of “penis envy,” and emphasized the sociocultural and environmental factors influencing psychological development. Horney argued …
Definition: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory proposed by Abraham Maslow that organizes human needs into a five-tier model, often depicted as a pyramid. The levels are physiological …
Definition: Gratitude journaling involves regularly writing down things for which one is grateful, fostering a positive focus and greater awareness of life’s blessings. Rooted in positive psychology, this practice is …
Definition: Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally focusing attention on the present moment with a nonjudgmental and accepting attitude. Originating from Buddhist meditation, mindfulness has been adapted into secular therapeutic …
Definition: Cognitive distortions are biased or irrational patterns of thinking that can negatively influence emotions and behaviors. These distortions often stem from deeply ingrained beliefs and can contribute to mental …
Definition: Jean Piaget, a Swiss psychologist, developed a theory of cognitive development that describes how children acquire, construct, and refine knowledge over time. Piaget proposed four stages of development: sensorimotor …
Definition: Behaviorism, championed by B.F. Skinner, is a psychological approach that focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they are influenced by environmental stimuli. Skinner expanded on earlier behaviorist theories …
Ruminating Definition: Repetitive thinking refers to the tendency to engage in recurring patterns of thought, often without conscious awareness. While some repetitive thoughts are neutral or helpful, many are negative …
Definition: Psychoanalysis, developed by Sigmund Freud, is a foundational therapeutic approach that emphasizes the role of unconscious processes, early childhood experiences, and internal conflicts in shaping behavior and mental health. …