C2 Level Wordlist - Psychology

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

Review

Flashcards

Spelling

Quiz

Start learning

catharsis

[noun]

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

Ex: Participating in a support group can offer catharsis, as sharing personal stories with others who understand can be incredibly healing .

neurosis

[noun]

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

Ex: Symptoms of neurosis can include persistent feelings of sadness , irritability , and fear , often without a clear or rational cause .

dissociation

[noun]

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 is a complex phenomenon that involves alterations in consciousness , perception , and self-awareness .

cognitive behavioral therapy

[noun]

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

Ex: Cognitive behavioral therapy can be conducted in individual or group settings , and often includes homework assignments to practice new skills outside of sessions .

psyche

[noun]

the entirety of the human mind, including conscious and unconscious elements, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Ex: Therapists work with individuals to explore and navigate the depths of their psyche during counseling sessions .

psychosis

[noun]

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

Ex: Psychosis can be a symptom of various mental health disorders , including schizophrenia , bipolar disorder , and severe depression .

body dysmorphic disorder

[noun]

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

Ex: Early diagnosis and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder are essential to prevent the condition from severely impacting an individual 's quality of life and mental health .

obsessive-compulsive disorder

[noun]

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: Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) can help manage symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder by altering brain chemistry to reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsions .

post-traumatic stress disorder

[noun]

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: Early intervention and support are crucial for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, as timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life .

borderline personality disorder

[noun]

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: With appropriate therapy and support , individuals with borderline personality disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life .

dissociative identity disorder

[noun]

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

Ex: Living with dissociative identity disorder can be challenging , as individuals may struggle to maintain a cohesive sense of identity and may experience difficulties in relationships and daily functioning .

coping mechanism

[noun]

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

Ex: Avoidance can sometimes be a maladaptive coping mechanism, as individuals may use substances or distractions to temporarily escape from their problems rather than addressing them directly.

defense mechanism

[noun]

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

Ex: Humor can serve as a defense mechanism, allowing individuals to find amusement in challenging situations to alleviate tension and anxiety .

abreaction

[noun]

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

Ex: Abreaction helps individuals heal from past traumas .

bipolar disorder

[noun]

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

Ex: Support from friends , family , and mental health professionals is essential for individuals with bipolar disorder to effectively manage their condition and improve their quality of life .

hypochondria

[noun]

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

Ex: Support from mental health professionals , as well as education about the nature of hypochondria and its treatment options , can help individuals with this condition manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life .

kleptomania

[noun]

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

Ex: Support from mental health professionals and support groups can be valuable for individuals with kleptomania in learning coping strategies and preventing relapse into stealing behaviors .

latent content

[noun]

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

Ex: Identifying the latent content of dreams can be challenging but rewarding .

masochism

[noun]

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

Ex: Masochism can be harmful if not addressed in therapy .

narcissism

[noun]

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

Ex: Despite his outward confidence , his narcissism masked deep-seated insecurities and fear of rejection .

Oedipus complex

[noun]

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

Ex: Many psychologists still debate the significance of the Oedipus complex.

psychosomatic disorder

[noun]

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

Ex: Understanding the connection between psychological factors and physical symptoms is crucial for effectively managing psychosomatic disorders and improving overall well-being .

rationalization

[noun]

(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: People sometimes resort to rationalization to avoid responsibility .

Freudian slip

[noun]

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

Ex: The professor, in a Freudian slip, unintentionally revealed his true opinion about the research project, saying, "It's an absolute waste of time and resources."

condensation

[noun]

(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: Dreams often involve condensation, blending different elements into singular symbols .

C2 Level Wordlist

Download LanGeek app

Langeek

C2 Level Wordlist - Psychology