the gradual acquisition of certain skills (e.g., language, interpersonal skills), attitudes, relationships, and behavior that enable the individual to interact with others and to function as a member of society.
one of two branches of the subject matter of psychology as defined by German academics in the 19th century. Variously translated, the term literally means a psychology dealing with the science of the mind or spirit; as such it was intended to encompass the moral, spiritual, historical, and human aspects of behavior now known as social science. Compare Naturwissenschaftliche Psychologie. See also verstehende Psychologie.