labeling theory

the sociological hypothesis that describing an individual in terms of particular behavioral characteristics may have a significant effect on his or her behavior, as a form of self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, describing an individual as deviant and then treating him or her as such may result in mental disorder or delinquency. Also called societal-reaction theory. See also primary deviance.

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Psychology term of the day

December 27th 2024

causation

1. the empirical relation between two events, states, or variables such that change in one (the cause) brings about change in the other (the effect). See also causality.

2. in Aristotelian and rationalist philosophy, the hypothetical relation between two phenomena (entities or events), such that one (the cause) either constitutes the necessary and sufficient grounds for the existence of the other (the effect), or the one possesses the capacity to bring about the other. —causal adj.