biological determinism

the concept that psychological and behavioral characteristics are entirely the result of constitutional and biological factors. Environmental conditions serve only as occasions for the manifestation of such characteristics. Compare environmental determinism. See determinism; genetic determinism; nature–nurture.

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Psychology term of the day

November 23rd 2024

risk factor

a clearly defined behavior or constitutional (e.g., genetic), psychological, environmental, or other characteristic that is associated with an increased possibility or likelihood that a disease or disorder will subsequently develop in an individual. Compare protective factor.