deterioration index

a pattern of subtest scores on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale viewed as suggestive of declines from baseline functioning and used in measuring the degree of reduced performance that can be attributed to a variety of pathologies, including schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, and dementia. Also called deterioration quotient. See also don’t-hold functions; hold functions.

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Psychology term of the day

February 1st 2025

optimism

n. hopefulness: the attitude that good things will happen and that people’s wishes or aims will ultimately be fulfilled. Optimists are people who anticipate positive outcomes, whether serendipitously or through perseverance and effort, and who are confident of attaining desired goals. Most individuals lie somewhere on the spectrum between the two polar opposites of pure optimism and pure pessimism but tend to demonstrate sometimes strong, relatively stable or situational tendencies in one direction or the other. See also expectancy-value model. —optimistic adj.