Learn The Lingo

One of the most overwhelming parts of stepping into the world of Psychology and mental health is learning the lingo. At first, it can feel intimidating—many of the words sound complex, almost like something you’d hear in a British crime drama. But with a little practice, this new vocabulary will start to feel natural.

Psychology isn’t about sounding fancy—it’s about practical tools for a healthier, happier life.

In this glossary, you’ll find clear definitions for common psychology terms referenced throughout the Hindsight Storybook books and website.

Think of it as your go-to spot whenever you catch yourself wondering, “What the heck does that mean?”

  • Excessive worry or fear

  • An emotional bond between individuals, often between a child and caregiver

  • The ability to focus on specific stimuli

  • How we explain the causes of behavior (our own or others’)

  • A tendency or prejudice for or against something

  • Mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving

  • Strategies used to manage stress and difficult emotions

  • Awareness of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings

  • Biased or irrational patterns of thinking

  • A therapeutic approach focused on changing thought patterns to influence behavior

  • Persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities

  • Physical, cognitive, and emotional changes over time

  • A complex psychological state involving feelings, thoughts, and physical responses

  • The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences

  • A longer-lasting emotional state

  • A process where a researcher’s work is evaluated by other qualified psychologists or experts in the same field before it is published, to check that the claims are accurate, the methods are sound, and the conclusions are supported by evidence

  • How we interpret sensory information

  • A consequence used to decrease a behavior

  • A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior

  • The ability to recover from adversity

  • Unconscious patterns or “mental stories” that shape how we expect ourselves and others to behave

  • Your sense of self-worth

  • How others affect our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

  • A deeply distressing or disturbing experience that impacts mental and emotional functioning