What Is a Parasocial Relationship?

Types of Parasocial Relationships Parasocial relationships can exist in a number of different forms. Are Parasocial Relationships Healthy? Parasocial relationships can impact people in several ways. Flashpop / Getty Images Some of the positive effects include: Recap Parasocial relationships have drawbacks and some benefits. Some people may be influenced by media personalities in negative ways. How Do Parasocial Relationships Form? Like in-person relationships, parasocial relationships start when someone meets and gets acquainted with a media persona....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 324 words · Amy Carney

What Is a Presenting Problem?

At a Glance When your doctor asks, “What are we seeing you for today?” your answer to that question is known as the presenting problem. What Are Presenting Problems? Universal Images Group / Getty Images This concern is the presenting problem you’ll share with your healthcare provider. To a patient, the presenting problem is the reason you’re seeking professional help. To your healthcare provider, the presenting problem is one initial piece of information they will use for evaluation....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 375 words · James Sanders

What Is a Problem Drinker?

Many one-time heavy drinkers merely “grow up” and change their behaviors. Would it benefit your health, relationships, or career? Would you lose weight, be more productive, or save money? ljubaphoto / Getty Images Now, think about the reasons why you mightnotwant to change your drinking patterns. If your body has become chemically dependent on the substance, you should get help. There are even medications, includingNaltrexone, that can help quell your desire to drink....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 106 words · Julie Smith

What Is a Psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists will also work withbut should not be confused withpsychologists. “Among their core responsibilities are the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Treatment may be delivered on an outpatient basis or on an inpatient basis in apsychiatric hospital. Verywell / Zoe Hansen The types of mental disorders are far-ranging. People undergoing psychotherapy might meet with their psychiatrist individually or as part of afamilyorgroup session. Many people who’ve experienced a major depressive episode are likely to have another....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 335 words · Steve Garrett

What Is a Psychology Doctor?

So, in that sense, they are indeed doctorsnot ones attending medical school. Training for Psychologists Licensed psychologists have a Ph.D., Psy.D., or EdD. degree, which is one of the highest levels of education. NoSystem images / Getty Images Graduate training for psychologists includes a supervised internship as well as a year of supervised practice before gaining licensure. so you can become a licensed psychologist, professionals must also pass state and national examinations....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 181 words · Jamie Greer

What Is a Psychopath?

However, only a small number of individuals with antisocial personality disorder are considered to be a psychopath. Common Psychopath Traits Psychopathic behavior varies greatly from one individual to another. Some are sex offenders and murderers, while others may be successful leaders. Verywell / Laura Porter It all depends on their traits. Its also important to distinguish between a psychopath and someone with psychopathic traits. Only individuals with psychopathic traits who also exhibit antisocial behavior are considered to be psychopaths....

April 26, 2025 · 5 min · 985 words · Mark Mcpherson

What Is a Random Sample in Psychology?

Simply put, a randomsampleis a subset of individualsrandomly selectedby researchers to represent an entire group. The goal is to get a sample of peoplerepresentativeof the larger population. This sampling method can reduce bias, but it can also be costly and time-consuming to perform. Matt Lincoln / Cultura / Getty Images The sample group would need to reflect this same ratio of women to men. Researchers also suggest that it can improve statistical analysis and allow them to quantify non-responses....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 156 words · Vernon Herrera

What Is a Relapse Prevention Plan?

It is one of many tools used by individuals recovering from asubstance use disorder. What Is a Relapse? Arelapseoccurs when someone starts reusing a drug after a period of abstinence. Vladimir Vladimirov/E+/Getty Before a relapse occurs, there are usually warning signs. Its a process that often starts with feelings and thoughts and can include cravings. The three stages of relapse include: Relapses can occur for many reasons. Sometimes they are brought on by triggering events or situations, such as stress or major life events....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 146 words · Joshua Lamb

What Is a Representative Sample in Psychology?

A representative sample is a group that closely matches the characteristics of its population as a whole. In other words, the sample is a fairly accurate reflection of the population from which thesampleis drawn. Why does this matter? Patrick George / Ikon Images / Getty Images What impact does a representative sample have on research? Such samples can help researchers draw insights about the larger group. Why Use a Representative Sample?...

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 274 words · Laurie Graves

What Is a Schema in Psychology?

Simply put, a schema describes patterns of thinking and behavior that people use tointerpret the world. Schemas are mental models found inlong-term memory. The brain utilizes such models to organize information about the world. Verywell / Emily Roberts Schemas are essentially built from our memories of our unique experiences. Theorist Jean Piaget introduced the term schema, and its use was popularized through his work. According to his theory ofcognitive development, children go through a series of stages of intellectual growth....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 247 words · Teresa Rogers

What Is a Schizophrenic Episode?

Yuri_Arcurs / Getty Images What Is a Schizophrenic Episode? Schizophreniais a chronic brain disorder. A schizophrenic episode can last days or weeksin rare cases, even months, says DSouza. Yuri_Arcurs / Getty Images If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database. People with mild episodes may be able to understand some parts of reality and lead a somewhat normal life....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 155 words · Timothy Kim

What Is a Secondary Reinforcer?

Primary reinforcers are biological in nature. Secondary reinforcers require association with these innate reinforcers before they can produce a response. At a Glance A secondary reinforcer can play an important role in the conditioning process. Michael H / Getty Images This can be useful when learning new things or trying to change maladaptive behaviors. Some can be more motivating than others. Secondary Reinforcers vs. Primary Reinforcers Primary reinforcersoccur naturally and do not need to be learned....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 301 words · Mikayla Oconnor

What Is a Self-Schema?

Like with many other things, we also hold schemas about ourselves. Inpsychology, these are known as self-schemas. These self-schemata impact our thoughts and behaviors. Bloom Productions / Getty Images Everyone’s self-schemas are different and just one portion of our self-concept. They’re formed by our experiences and relationships with others. Self-schemas are important because they influence our behaviors. The more we believe that a self-schema applies to us, the better we will perform on that dimension....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 357 words · Joseph Fisher