encounter movement

a trend toward the formation of small groups in which various techniques, such as confrontation, games, and reenactment, are used to stimulate awareness, personality growth, and productive interactions. The movement gained popularity in the 1960s but diminished at the end of the 20th century.

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Psychology term of the day

December 26th 2024

mental disorder

any condition characterized by cognitive and emotional disturbances, abnormal behaviors, impaired functioning, or any combination of these. Such disorders cannot be accounted for solely by environmental circumstances and may involve physiological, genetic, chemical, social, and other factors. Specific classifications of mental disorders are elaborated in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (see DSM–IV–TR; DSM–5) and the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases. Also called mental illness; psychiatric disorder; psychiatric illness; psychological disorder. See also psychopathology.