coping mechanism

any conscious or nonconscious adjustment or adaptation that decreases tension and anxiety in a stressful experience or situation. Modifying maladaptive coping mechanisms is often the focus of psychological interventions. See also coping behavior; coping strategy.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

January 31st 2025

passive learning

1. learning that may occur without the intention to learn, through exposure to information or behavior. See incidental learning.

2. learning that occurs without active mnemonic involvement, as in drill and rote learning.