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convoy model of social relations

a theory that conceptualizes relationships as an evolving social network hierarchy of three concentric circles surrounding an individual, with each circle representing a relationship that has a different level of perceived intimacy or closeness to the individual at a given point in time. The theory attempts to account for how relationships of importance to the individual (i.e., that provide a secure base for individual functioning) change as she or he ages. [originally proposed by U.S. social psychologist Robert L. Kahn and U.S. developmental psychologist Toni C. Antonucci (1948–  )]

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Psychology term of the day

March 11th 2025

mood disorder

mood disorder

in DSM–IV–TR, a psychiatric condition in which the principal feature is a prolonged, pervasive emotional disturbance, such as a depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or substance-induced mood disorder. Also included are mood disorders due to a general medical condition, in which attendant physiological disruptions are believed to produce the emotional changes, and mood disorder not otherwise specified, which does not meet the diagnostic criteria for any of the specific mood disorders. The term chronic mood disorder is applied when symptoms rarely remit. In DSM–5, mood disorders are divided into two categories: bipolar and related disorders, which include bipolar disorder and its subtypes (e.g., bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder); and depressive disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Also called affective disorder.