habit

n. a well-learned behavior or automatic sequence of behaviors that is relatively situation specific and over time has become motorically reflexive and independent of motivational or cognitive influence—that is, it is performed with little or no conscious intent. For example, the act of hair twirling may eventually occur without the individual’s conscious awareness. —habitual adj.

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Psychology term of the day

April 16th 2024

self-control therapy

a form of behavior therapy that involves self-monitoring (e.g., diaries of behavior), self-evaluation, goal setting, behavior contracts, self-reinforcement, and relapse prevention. Also called self-management therapy. [developed by Austrian-born U.S. clinical psychologist Frederick H. Kanfer (1925–2002)]