instrumentality theory

the theory that a person’s attitude toward an event will depend on his or her perception of its function as an instrument in bringing about desirable or undesirable consequences. See also valence–instrumentality–expectancy theory.

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Psychology term of the day

January 29th 2025

vasoconstrictor

n. any drug or other agent (e.g., the hormone vasopressin) that causes constriction of blood vessels so that the diameter of the vessels is reduced. The vasomotor nerves of the sympathetic nervous system also serve as vasoconstrictors. Vasoconstrictor drugs are used to increase blood pressure that has fallen to dangerously low levels. Also called vasopressor.