Glossary / Lexicon

Function is defined as a line or curve illustrating the relationship of one variable to another. In developmental psychology, Function is an action related to a structure, such as movement of a muscle, firing of a nerve, or activation of a mental representation ; contrast with structure. Please see also Bidirectionality of structure and function.

Description

Function in psychology refers to the purpose or goal of a particular behavior or mental process. It focuses on why a certain behavior or cognitive process exists and how it helps an individual adapt to their environment. Function helps psychologists understand how different thoughts, feelings, and actions serve a purpose in a person's life. By studying function, psychologists can gain insight into the underlying motivations and goals that drive human behavior. Understanding function is crucial for developing effective interventions and treatments for various psychological disorders.

Application Areas

• Clinical psychology
• Counseling psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Industrial-organizational psychology
• School psychology

Treatment and Risks

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors to improve overall function.
• Risks may include overlooking the underlying meaning of a behavior or focusing solely on symptoms without addressing the underlying function.

Examples

• A person with social anxiety avoids social situations to reduce feelings of fear and discomfort.
• An individual with obsessive-compulsive disorder engages in rituals to alleviate anxiety and reduce distress.
• A child throws tantrums to get attention from caregivers.

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Purpose
• Goal-directed behavior
• Adaptive function
• Utilitarian function

Weblinks

• environment-database.eu: 'Function' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu

Articles with 'Function' in the title

• Arousal function: Arousal function : Arousal function in Hebb’s and Hull’s theories, the motivating function of a stimulus. That aspect of the stimulus that relates to attention or alertness
• Contrast sensitivity function (CSF): Contrast sensitivity function (CSF) : Contrast sensitivity function (CSF ) refers to a plot of contrast sensitivity versus the spatial frequency of a grating stimulus
• Cue function: Cue function is a term used in Hebb’s and Hull’s theories that refers to the message function of a stimulus- the aspect of the stimulus that tells the organism how it should react
• Homogeneity of cognitive function: Homogeneity of cognitive function refers to the assumption in stage theories that a child's cognition is relatively homogeneous, or even, across different tasks and contexts
• Localization of function: Localization of function refers to the research strategy of linking specific structures in the brain with specific psychological or behavioral functions
• Negatively accelerated function: Negatively accelerated function refers to a function in which the rate of increase or decrease of one variable decreases as a second variable increases
• Object appraisal function: Object appraisal function : Object appraisal function refers to a function of attitudes by which attitudes provide rapid evaluative judgments of targets, which facilitate approach or avoidance
• Positively accelerated function: Positively accelerated function is a function in which the rate of increase or decrease of one variable increases as a second variable increases. Such functions are characterized by shallow initial slopes that become progressively steeper
• Transcendent function: Transcendent function refers to a confrontation of opposites, a conscious thought and an unconscious influence. The transcendent function bridges two (2) opposing attitudes or conditions and in the process becomes a third force, usually exp . . .
• Areas of dysfunction approach: Areas of dysfunction approach refers to one of four (4) approaches to intuitive-logical clinical thinking at Step 2 of the inverted pyramid method of case conceptualization
• Dysfunction: Dysfunction refers to any disturbance in the function of an organ or body part. It also means abnormal function or difficult function, as in sexual dysfunction, and psychosexual dysfunction, among many others
• Executive functions: Executive functions refers to the higher Order regulatory and supervisory functions that researchers believe are subserved, in part, by the frontal lobes
• Female orgasmic dysfunction: A Female orgasmic dysfunction is a failure of a female to achieve an orgasm (climax) during sexual intercourse. This disorder can originate in psychological or emotional problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, worry, guilt, f . . .
• Malfunction: In psychology, malfunction refers to a breakdown in cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning that leads to impairments in an individual's ability to adapt to their environment or carry out daily activities
• Minimal brain dysfunction (MBD): Minimal brain dysfunction (MBD) : Minimal brain dysfunction (MBD) is defined as an Attention-deficit Disorder that may produce such asocial behavior as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and aggressiveness
• Sexual dysfunction: Sexual dysfunction refers to a sexual disorder in which the patient (client) finds it difficult to function adequately while having sex. Other definition: Sexual dysfunction refers to an abnormality in a person's sexual responsiveness and r . . .
• Adaptive functioning: Adaptive functioning refers to the person's ability to cope effectively with ordinary life demands, to live independently, and to abide by community standards
• Cognitive-functional approach: Cognitive-functional approach refers to an assessment approach that calls for the functional analysis of the client's thinking processes. In this approach, the clinician completes a careful analysis of the person's cognitions, how they are . . .
• Complementary (functional, schematic, thematic) classification: Complementary (functional, schematic, thematic) classification : Complementary (functional, schematic, thematic) classification is a term in classification tasks which refers to the grouping together of items from conceptually different . . .
• Executive functioning: Executive functioning refers to cognitive abilities such as abstract thinking, planning, organizing, and carrying out of behaviors. It also includes several cognitive capacities, including the ability to reject irrelevant information, . . .
• fMRI (Functional magnetic resonance imaging): fMRI (Functional magnetic resonance imaging) : fMRI or Functional magnetic resonance imaging is the modified version of MRI that measures energies released by hemoglobin molecules in an MRI scan and then determines the brain areas . . .
• Fully functioning person: Fully functioning person is defined as a person living in harmony with her or his deepest feelings, impulses, and intuitions : person who meets his or her own need for positive regard rather than relying on the expectations of others- . . .
• Functional analysis: Functional analysis is defined as a central feature of behavioral assessment. In a Functional analysis, careful analyses are made of the stimuli preceding a behavior and the consequences following from it to gain a precise understanding of . . .
• Functional Analysis of Behavior: Functional Analysis of Behavior : Functional Analysis of Behavior refers to an effort to identify as many factors as possible that could be contributing to a child’s problem behavior, thoughts, and feelings, and to develop hypotheses . . .
• Functional distance: Functional distance refers to the closeness between two (2) places in terms of the opportunities for interaction, compared to physical distance. Functional distance is a term used in psychology to describe the likelihood of interaction . . .
• Functional fixedness: Functional fixedness is a hindrance in problem solving in which a person thinks of an object as having very specific functions, and is unable to see the potential uses of various objects in novel situations
• Functional Fixedness: Functional Fixedness refers to a hindrance in problem solving in which a person thinks of an object as having very specific functions, and is unable to see the potential uses of various objects in novel situations- problem-solving . . .
• Functional invariants: Functional invariants is a term used in Piaget's theory that refers to the processes of organization and adaptation that characterize all biological systems and operate throughout the life span
• Functional Job Analysis: Functional Job Analysis is defined as a job analysis method developed by Fine that rates the extent to which a job incumbent is involved with functions in the categories of data, people, and things
• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) : Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) refers to a variant of the traditional MRI, which makes it possible to construct a picture of activity in the brain
• Functional model: Functional model refers to a theory that integrates the localization-of-function and equipotentiality perspectives. This theory holds that any behavior is due to the interaction of several brain systems and that the nature of a behavioral . . .
• Functional Play: Functional Play a term which is also for relational play which can be seen between 9-24 months , denoting use of objects in play for the purposes for which they were intended, eg
• Functional theory of group decision making: Functional theory of group decision making refers to a conceptual analysis of the steps or processes that groups generally follow when making a decision, with a focus on the intended purpose of each step or process in the overall decision- . . .
• Functionalism: Functionalism is a term in the Psychology of Language that refers to the theory that the structure of language has a basis in the communicative functions language serves
• Functionalist: A functionalist refers to someone who adheres to the principles of functionalism, a psychological theory that emerged in the late 19th century. Functionalism focuses on understanding the purpose and function of human thoughts, feelings, . . .
• Functionalist perspective (on emotions): Functionalist perspective (on emotions) refers to a theory specifying the major purpose of an emotion is to establish, maintain, or change one’s relationship with the environment to accomplish a goal - emotions are not viewed as discrete . . .
• GAF Global Assessment of Functioning: GAF Global Assessment of Functioning: The GAF is the abbreviations of Global Assessment of Functioning which refers to the score provided on Axis V that serves as an index of the person's overall level of functioning
• General intellectual functioning: general intellectual functioning refers to one’s general level of intellectual ability, defined by an intelligence quotient (IQ or equivalent) derived from an assessment with one or more of the standardized, individually administered . . .
• Global Assessment of Functioning: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) refers to scale Axis V of the DSM-IV which is a scale that rates the individual's overall level of psychological health
• Promotion of Volitional Functioning (PVF): Promotion of Volitional Functioning (PVF) refers to a strategy whereby parents guide or scaffold an adolescent’s decision- making, rather than imposing a solution or ceding control, thereby allowing him/her to experience a sense of self- . . .
• Double dissociation of function: A Double dissociation of function refers to a technique in which opposite behaviors are elicited by two (2) different tasks from different areas of functioning (see Converging operations)
• Functionally disabled: Functionally disabled refers to a person with a mental or physical impairment that limits his or her 's capacity for independent living.
• High-Functioning Autism: High-Functioning Autism which is also known as Asperger's Syndrome refers to a Pervasive developmental disorder in which individuals are considered to have a higher intellectual capac ity while suffering from a lower social capacity
• Task achievement function: Task achievement function refer to aspects of Leadership that relate to Group productivity.
• Patient functioning: Patient functioning means how well a patient is getting along across a number of domains, such as psychological, social/interpersonal, occupational.
• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging refers to a variant of the traditional MRI, which makes it possible to construct a picture of activity in the brain
• Agent self (executive function): Agent self (executive function) : Agent self (executive function ) is the part of the self involved in control, including both control over other people and self-control
• Bidirectionality of structure and function: Bidirectionality of structure and function (structure- function) refers to the reciprocal interaction of structure and function to produce a pattern of development
• Crystallized functions: Crystallized functions are thought to be most dependent on cultural factors and learning. Spelling and factual knowledge are examples of Crystallized functions
• Curvilinear function: Curvilinear function refers to a function that departs from a straight line and contains components that can be fit by various mathematical formulas for curved lines
• Fluid functions: Fluid functions refer to functions which believed to be culture-free and independent of learning. Problem solving and abstract reasoning are considered Fluid functions
• Function morphemes: Function morphemes: Function morphemes is defined as a morpheme that adds detail and nuance to the meaning of the content morphemes or helps the content morphemes fit the grammatical context
• Functional conflict: Functional conflict refers to conflict that results in increased performance or better interpersonal relations.
• Functional somatic syndromes: Functional somatic syndromes refer to syndromes that marked by the symptoms, suffering, and disability it causes rather than by any demonstrable tissue abnormality
• Functional systems: Functional systems is defined as a concept which was first formulated by Luria in which behavior results from interaction among many areas of the brain
• Functional tolerance: Functional tolerance refers to the decreased behavioral effects of a drug as a result of its regular use
• Functional-equivalence hypothesis: Functional-equivalence hypothesis refers to belief that although visual imagery is not identical to visual perception, it is functionally equivalent to it
• Functioning adenomas: Functioning adenomas is defined as pituitary tumors that play an "uninvited" role in the operation of the pituitary gland, usually affecting the release of the gland's hormones
• Group maintenance function: Group maintenance function: Group maintenance function refer to aspects of leadership that relate to morale in the group
• Function word: Function word: Function word is defined as a word such as an article, preposition, or conjunction that plays a secondary role in the meaning of a sentence
• Functional MRI (fMRI): Functional MRI (fMRI) : Functional MRI also known as fMRI refers to functional magnetic resonance imaging that records brain activity.
• Functional relations: Functional relations refer to relations among words that indicate what can be done with the referent of a word. For example, words such as sitting, rest, and rocking indicate what can be done with a chair
• Inferior function: Inferior function is the function which is least well developed in an individual and may be repressed and unconscious, showing itself in dreams or fantasies
• Lexical-functional grammar: Lexical-functional grammar is defined as a grammar in which structural relationships are built into enriched lexical entries rather than with transformational rules
• Negative function: Negative function is a relationship in which increasing values of one variable are associated with decreasing values of a second variable.
• Perservative functional autonomy: Perservative functional autonomy refers to the level of functional autonomy that relates to low-level and routine behaviors.
• Positive function: Positive function refers to a relationship in which increasing values of one or first variable are associated with increasing values of a second variable
• Propriate functional autonomy: Propriate functional autonomy refers to the level of functional autonomy that relates to our values, self-image, and lifestyle.

Summary

Function in psychology refers to the purpose or goal of a behavior or mental process, helping psychologists understand why certain behaviors exist and how they serve a purpose in an individual's life. By studying function, psychologists can gain insight into underlying motivations and develop effective interventions for psychological disorders.

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