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medium

n.

1. the state of being in the middle of or between two factors or conditions or midway on some scale.

2. (pl. media) any means or agency through which messages are transmitted or information is diffused (e.g., the medium of television).

3. (pl. media) a substance, such as air or water, that serves to transmit a physical effect, such as sound or light.

4. (pl. media) a nutritive substance in which molds or other organisms are grown in a laboratory.

5. in spiritualism, a person who functions as the instrument of alleged communication between the living and the dead. Some mediums often claim paranormal abilities, such as clairvoyance, astral projection, or powers of psychic healing.

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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]