joint attention

attention overtly focused by two or more people on the same object, person, or action at the same time, with each being aware of the other’s interest. Joint attention is an important developmental tool. Infants of around 9 months old can follow their parents’ gaze and begin to imitate what their parents do. By thus focusing attention on an object as well as on the adult’s reaction to it, children can learn about the world. This technique is also used in primate studies (see enculturation). Also called shared attention.

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Psychology term of the day

February 24th 2025

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.