Psychology & Behaviour

Vocabulary for understanding human mind and actions

Introduction

Understanding human behaviour requires vocabulary that goes beyond basic emotions. Psychology has given us a rich set of words for describing mental processes, social dynamics, and the complexities of human nature.

This chapter covers vocabulary used in psychology, behavioural science, and everyday discussions about why people think and act as they do. These words help you articulate observations about human nature with greater precision.

Themes

All Advanced Vocabulary in This Chapter (24)

• cognition The mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and understanding, includi...
• stimulus Something that provokes a response or reaction, particularly in a physiologic...
• subconscious The part of the mind that influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviour withou...
• empathy The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, putting o...
• introvert A person whose personality is characterised by a preference for quiet, minima...
• extrovert A person whose personality is characterised by sociability, assertiveness, an...
• narcissism Excessive interest in or admiration of oneself, characterised by self-centred...
• compulsive Resulting from or relating to an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way...
• phobia An extreme or irrational fear or aversion to something, often so severe that ...
• inhibition A feeling that prevents one from acting naturally or expressing oneself freel...
• conditioning The process of training or accustoming a person or animal to behave in a cert...
• reinforcement The process of encouraging or strengthening a pattern of behaviour through re...
• cognitive Relating to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgement, and reason...
• behavioural Relating to or concerned with the way in which a person, animal, or system ac...
• psychosomatic Relating to physical symptoms that are caused or aggravated by psychological ...
• neurosis A relatively mild mental illness involving symptoms of anxiety, depression, o...
• counselling Professional guidance and support provided to help individuals work through p...
• mindfulness A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, ca...
• aptitude A natural ability or talent for learning or doing something, often used to de...
• temperament A person's inherent nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavi...
• disposition A person's inherent qualities of mind and character, or an inclination or ten...
• inclination A tendency or preference towards a particular course of action, belief, or wa...
• predisposition An inherited or acquired tendency to develop a particular condition, attitude...
• susceptible Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing, or open an...