Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


social psychology

as defined by Gordon W. Allport, the study of how an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and actions are affected by the actual, imagined, or symbolically represented presence of other people. Psychological social psychology differs from sociological social psychology in that the former tends to put greater emphasis on internal psychological processes, whereas the latter focuses on factors that affect social life, such as status, role, and class.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

nondirective approach

nondirective approach

an approach to psychotherapy and counseling in which the therapist or counselor establishes an encouraging atmosphere and clarifies the client’s ideas rather than directing the process. The client leads the way by expressing his or her own feelings, defining his or her own problems, and interpreting his or her own behavior. This approach is a cornerstone of client-centered therapy. [originally advocated by Carl Rogers]