Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


life events

important occasions throughout the lifespan that are either age-related and thus expected (e.g., marriage, retirement) or unrelated to age and unexpected (e.g., accidents, relocation). Contextual theories of personality often assume that personality is shaped by reactions to stress produced by critical life events. See also off-time life events; on-time life events.

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

March 29th 2024

closed skill

closed skill

any motor skill that is performed under the same conditions on every occasion, as in making a free-throw shot in a game of basketball. Compare open skill.