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sleep latency

the amount of time it takes for an individual to fall asleep once the attempt to do so is made. Sleep latency is measured in the diagnosis of sleep disorders. Sleeping pills (e.g., benzodiazepines) are designed to decrease sleep latency so that the individual can fall asleep more quickly.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

dogmatism

dogmatism

n.

1. the tendency to act in a blindly certain, assertive, and authoritative manner in accordance with a strongly held set of beliefs.

2. a personality trait characterized by this tendency. The belief system of such an individual is strongly held and resistant to change. Nevertheless, it often contains elements that are isolated from one another and thus may contradict one another. See Rokeach Dogmatism Scale. [first proposed by U.S. psychologist Milton Rokeach (1918–1988)] —dogmatic adj.