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fad

n. an abrupt but short-lived change in the opinions, behaviors, or lifestyles of a large number of widely dispersed individuals. Preoccupations with new products, dances, television programs, and fashions can be considered fads when many people quickly embrace the trend but then lose interest just as rapidly. Fads often pertain to relatively trivial matters and thus disappear without leaving any lasting impact on society. Extremely irrational, expensive, or widespread fads are termed crazes.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

ecosystemic approach

ecosystemic approach

an approach to therapy that emphasizes the interaction between the individual or family and larger social contexts, such as schools, workplaces, and social agencies. The approach emphasizes interrelatedness and interdependency and derives from diverse fields, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and political science. Family therapy in particular, has made use of this approach in designing interventions for complex families and systems. See also ecological systems theory. [developed in psychology by Urie Bronfenbrenner]