psychodynamic approach

the psychological and psychiatric approach that views human behavior from the standpoint of unconscious motives that mold the personality, influence attitudes, and produce emotional disorder. The emphasis is on tracing behavior to its origins, as contrasted with the nosological approach, which concentrates on overt signs and symptoms of disorder. See dynamic psychology; psychodynamic psychotherapy.

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Psychology term of the day

February 21st 2025

participants’ rights

in a study approved by an institutional review board, a set of conditions relating to participants in the study and their role in the research. Participants normally should be informed about the purpose of the study (but see deception research), its procedures (i.e., what specifically is expected to occur) and the associated costs and benefits; that their data from the study will be kept confidential; whom they can contact if they have any concerns about the study; and that they can leave the study at any time without penalty. Also called subjects’ rights. See also informed consent; research ethics.