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C2 Level Wordlist - Psychology

Here you will learn all the essential words for talking about Psychology, collected specifically for level C2 learners.

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CEFR C2 Vocabulary
catharsis
catharsis
[noun]

(psychology) the process of relieving a complex by bringing it to consciousness and directly addressing it

Ex: Writing in a journal can provide a sense of catharsis, allowing individuals to express and process their emotions. 
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neurosis
neurosis
[noun]

a mental condition that is not caused by organic disease in which one is constantly anxious, worried, and stressed

Ex: Neurosis often manifests as chronic anxiety, obsessive behaviors, or phobias that interfere with daily functioning. 
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dissociation

a psychological and neurological process involving a separation or disconnection of thoughts, memories, identity, or consciousness, often as a response to trauma or stress

Ex: Dissociation can lead to memory gaps or amnesia, where individuals may forget significant portions of their experiences. 
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cognitive behavioral therapy

a psychotherapy that targets negative thoughts and behaviors to address mental health issues

Ex: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. 
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psyche
psyche
[noun]

the immaterial or nonphysical aspect of a person

Ex: Many cultures believe the psyche survives after death. 
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psychosis
psychosis
[noun]

a severe mental condition in which the patient loses contact with external reality

Ex: Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality, often manifesting as hallucinations or delusions. 
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body dysmorphic disorder

a psychological disorder that causes a person to spend a lot of time thinking obsessively about the imaginary imperfections in their appearance

Ex: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where individuals obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance, which are often unnoticeable to others. 
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obsessive-compulsive disorder

a disorder causing a person to have recurring unwanted thoughts or to do something such as cleaning or checking on something over and over

Ex: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety. 
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post-traumatic stress disorder

a disorder that is formed in a person who has experienced a very shocking or frightening event, causing them to have nightmares or flashbacks from the event

Ex: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as combat, a natural disaster, or a serious accident. 
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borderline personality disorder

a mental illness that causes a person to act impulsively, to experience severe shifts in mood, and to be unable to form interpersonal relationships

Ex: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by intense and unstable relationships, emotions, and self-image. 
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dissociative identity disorder

a psychological condition in which there are more than one personality in a person, each personality has different memories and patterns of behavior

Ex: Dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities within a single individual. 
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coping mechanism

a strategy or behavior used to manage or counteract challenging emotions, thoughts, or situations

Ex: Exercise can serve as a coping mechanism for managing stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins and promoting a sense of well-being. 
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defense mechanism

an unconscious mental strategy individuals use to cope with anxiety, discomfort, or threatening emotions

Ex: Denial, a defense mechanism, involves refusing to accept or acknowledge the reality of a situation. 
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abreaction

the release of repressed emotions or traumatic memories through therapeutic means, often resulting in catharsis and emotional relief

Ex: Abreaction can occur during therapy sessions. 
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bipolar disorder

a chronic mental health condition marked by episodes of mania and depression

Ex: Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include periods of mania (elevated mood) and depression (low mood). 
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hypochondria

a mental condition in which a person is constantly anxious and worried about their health

Ex: Hypochondria, also known as illness anxiety disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear about having a serious medical illness, despite no or minimal evidence of actual illness. 
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kleptomania

a mental condition in which one is obsessed with stealing things without any financial motive

Ex: Kleptomania is a mental health disorder characterized by a recurrent urge to steal items that are not needed for personal use or monetary gain. 
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latent content

the underlying, symbolic meanings embedded within dreams as interpreted through psychoanalytic theory, contrasted with the manifest content

Ex: The therapist helped uncover the latent content of her recurring dreams. 
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masochism
masochism
[noun]

the tendency to derive sexual pleasure from experiencing physical or emotional pain or humiliation

Ex: Masochism involves finding pleasure in experiencing pain. 
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narcissism

a psychological trait or personality disorder where someone is excessively self-centered and believes they are superior to others

Ex: Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a constant need for admiration from others. 
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Oedipus complex

a child's unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent and rivalry with the same-sex parent

Ex: The Oedipus complex describes a boy's feelings for his mother. 
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psychosomatic disorder

a psychological condition characterized by physical symptoms that derive from mental or emotional causes, often without any medical explanation

Ex: A psychosomatic disorder is a condition in which physical symptoms are caused or aggravated by psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. 
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rationalization

(psychiatry) the process by which individuals justify or explain their behaviors, often unconsciously, in a way that aligns with their self-image or societal norms

Ex: Rationalization helps people feel better about their decisions. 
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Freudian slip

an error that reveals the speaker's actual thoughts or feelings

Ex: During his speech, the politician made a Freudian slip, mistakenly referring to his opponent as "my esteemed friend" instead of "my esteemed opponent." 
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condensation

(psychoanalysis) the process by which disparate elements of the unconscious mind are combined into a single symbol or image, often observed in dreams or during free association in therapy

Ex: Condensation simplifies intricate psychological processes into understandable forms. 
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