mediation theory

the hypothesis that stimuli affect behavior indirectly through an intervening process, as opposed to a simpler stimulus–response model. For example, cognitive therapists maintain that the effect an external event has on an individual is influenced by the individual’s thoughts and perceptions of that event.

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Psychology term of the day

January 30th 2025

functional communication training

a behavior therapy technique used with children and adults diagnosed with developmental impairments, such as autism or intellectual disability, who are exhibiting aggressive, self-injurious, or highly disruptive behavior. The technique assesses the function that the negative behavior serves and uses positive reinforcement to replace it with more appropriately adaptive communication or behavior that meets the same need.