A state of being totally absorbed in an activity, in which we feel both adequately challenged and equipped with the skills to meet the challenge. The concept forms part of ‘positive psychology’. Flow, also referred to as being in the zone, was developed by the psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi. He has linked achieving flow to increased…
Intervention
In psychological terms, interventions describe actions or therapies undertaken to bring about positive change in behaviour, thoughts or feelings. Once a difficulty, disorder or developmental issue has been recognised, a psychologist would recommend a proven ‘intervention’ – course of action or activity. For example, for children with autism this might be a particular focus on…
Assessment
Psychologists use a range of ‘assessment’ strategies and tools, including interviews, questionnaires and various tests to better understand what is happening for a client; for example, to diagnose a mental health problem or learning difficulty.
Psychologist
Psychologists are university-educated experts in human behaviour, emotions and mental processes. They work with people across the lifespan to help individuals to improve their lives. Psychologists work in a vast range of settings including hospitals, community settings, private practice, correctional facilities, schools, the defence forces, research centres, government departments and organisations. Psychologists have a minimum…
Evidence-based
Evidence-based refers to any information or practice that is based on a strong research foundation that has been tested. Psychologists often talk about ‘evidence-based’ practice which means using treatments, interventions or strategies that have been rigorously tested.
The Bystander Effect
The Bystander Effect is a term that describes the phenomenon whereby individuals or groups of people ignore someone in distress (calling for help, being attacked, being abused) rather than going to help. Research has found that the more bystanders there are at an event the less likely any one person is to help. The term…
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Cognitive behaviour therapy, often referred to as CBT, is a popular proven psychological talk therapy aimed at changing a person’s unhelpful thought patterns (I am no good, I can’t do this) to more helpful thoughts. It recognises that how we think affects our feelings and behaviour. It is now a well-supported and recognised treatment, which has…
Psychology
Psychology is a scientific discipline and profession that focuses on human behaviour. Through rigorous research and practice, psychology aims to understand people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour and enhance life by applying strategies and proven treatments to disorders as well as helping people improve their health, work, relationships and performance.
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