collectivism

1. the tendency to view oneself as a member of a larger (family or social) group, rather than as an isolated, independent being.

2. a social or cultural tradition, ideology, or personal outlook that emphasizes the unity of the group or community rather than each person’s individuality. Most Asian, African, and South American societies tend to put more value on collectivism than do Western societies, insofar as they stress cooperation, communalism, constructive interdependence, and conformity to cultural roles and mores. Compare individualism. —collectivist adj.

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Psychology term of the day

May 3rd 2024

proactive coping

a stress-management strategy that reflects efforts to build up resources that facilitate promotion toward challenging goals and personal growth. Proactive individuals are motivated to meet challenges, and they commit themselves to their own high standards. They see demands and opportunities in the distant future and initiate a constructive path of action toward meeting them. Stress is interpreted as eustress—that is, productive arousal and vital energy—and coping thus becomes goal management instead of risk management. In contrast to the other three types of coping proposed by German psychologists Ralf Schwarzer (1943– ) and Nina Knoll, proactive coping does not arise from any negative appraisals, such as harm, loss, or threat. See also anticipatory coping; preventive coping; reactive coping.