Comprehensive Glossary of Psychology Terms (English) – 100 Key Concepts

Psychology, as the scientific study of mind and behavior, has developed a rich vocabulary to describe the complexities of human cognition, emotion, and interaction. This carefully curated list of 100 essential terms spans foundational theories, clinical disorders, therapeutic approaches, and cutting-edge neuroscientific concepts. From basic processes like “cognition” and “perception” to specialized terms such as “neuroplasticity” and “dialectical behavior therapy,” this glossary serves as both an introduction for students and a reference for professionals. These terms represent the building blocks of psychological science, offering insights into how we think, feel, and behave in various contexts. The below list includes 100 key terms :

1. Psychology

2. Mind

3. Behavior

4. Cognition

5. Unconscious

6. Conscious

7. Emotion

8. Feeling

9. Perception

10. Attention

11. Clinical Psychology

12. Developmental Psychology

13. Social Psychology

14. Cognitive Psychology

15. Neuropsychology

16. Industrial-Organizational Psychology

17. Health Psychology

18. Positive Psychology

19. Psychometrics

20. Psychiatry

21. Depression

22. Anxiety

23. OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

24. Phobia

25. Schizophrenia

26. Bipolar Disorder

27. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

28. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

29. Autism Spectrum Disorder

30. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

31. Psychoanalysis

32. Behavior Therapy

33. Cognitive Therapy

34. CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy)

35. Humanistic Therapy

36. Existential Therapy

37. DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

38. Exposure Therapy

39. Hypnosis

40. Meditation

41. Neuron

42. Synapse

43. Dopamine

44. Serotonin

45. Amygdala

46. Hippocampus

47. Prefrontal Cortex

48. CNS (Central Nervous System)

49. Neuroplasticity

50. fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

51. Intelligence Test

52. WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale)

53. MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory)

54. Rorschach Test

55. TAT (Thematic Apperception Test)

56. Validity

57. Reliability

58. Norm

59. Construct

60. Factor Analysis

61. Attachment

62. Piaget’s Theory

63. Cognitive Development

64. Moral Development

65. Socialization

66. Parenting Styles

67. Observational Learning

68. Classical Conditioning

69. Operant Conditioning

70. Positive Reinforcement

71. Conformity

72. Obedience

73. Social Cognition

74. Attitude

75. Prejudice

76. Stereotype

77. Interpersonal Attraction

78. Helping Behavior

79. Aggression

80. Groupthink

81. Resilience

82. Self-Efficacy

83. Stress

84. Adaptation

85. Defense Mechanisms

86. Projection

87. Sublimation

88. Denial

89. Introversion

90. Extraversion

91. Psychosomatic

92. Identity Crisis

93. Self-Actualization

94. Imposter Syndrome

95. Mindfulness

96. Cognitive Distortions

97. Learned Helplessness

98. Halo Effect

99. Attachment Theory

100. Psychodynamic

This glossary represents more than just terminology – it encapsulates the evolving language psychologists use to understand and improve human experience. From Freud’s early concepts to contemporary neuroscientific discoveries, these 100 terms reflect psychology’s journey from philosophical speculation to evidence-based science. They serve as tools for researchers to test hypotheses, clinicians to diagnose and treat, and all of us to better comprehend our thoughts and behaviors. As the field continues to advance, this vocabulary will expand, but these core concepts will remain essential for navigating the fascinating landscape of psychological science. Remember, as William James noted, “Psychology is the science of mental life,” and these terms help us describe that life with precision and insight.