Glossary S
Glossary S
Deutsch: Symbolisches Denken / Español: Pensamiento simbólico / Português: Pensamento simbólico / Français: Pensée symbolique / Italiano: Pensiero simbolico
Symbolic Thinking in the psychology context refers to the cognitive ability to use symbols—such as words, images, gestures, or objects—to represent ideas, concepts, or things not physically present. It is foundational for language, imagination, abstract thought, and emotional expression.
This capacity emerges early in child development and continues to shape how we understand and communicate complex inner and outer realities throughout life.
Deutsch: Symbolismus / Español: Simbolismo / Português: Simbolismo / Français: Symbolisme / Italiano: Simbolismo
Symbolism in psychology refers to the use of symbols—objects, actions, or events that represent deeper meanings or concepts—to convey ideas, emotions, or psychological states. Symbols often arise from unconscious processes and play a crucial role in areas like psychoanalysis, dream interpretation, and understanding how individuals make sense of their experiences. Symbolism allows complex thoughts, feelings, and desires to be expressed in a more abstract or indirect manner.
Deutsch: Aktivierung des sympathischen Nervensystems / Español: Activación del sistema nervioso simpático / Português: Ativação do sistema nervoso simpático / Français: Activation du système nerveux sympathique / Italiano: Attivazione del sistema nervioso simpatico
The Sympathetic Nervous System Activation represents a fundamental physiological response mechanism within the autonomic nervous system, governing the body's immediate reaction to perceived threats or stressors. This process is integral to the "fight-or-flight" response, a term coined by Walter Cannon in the early 20th century to describe the adaptive physiological changes that prepare an organism for rapid action. While primarily associated with acute stress, its chronic activation has been linked to various psychological and physical health outcomes, making it a critical area of study in both clinical and experimental psychology.
A sympathomimetic substance mimics the effects of epinephrine or norepinephrine, which are secreted from the sympathetic nervous systems.
Deutsch: Mitgefühl / Español: simpatía / Português: simpatia / Français: sympathie / Italiano: simpatia
Sympathy is an other-directed emotional reaction to another person's state of need, characterized by feelings of concern, compassion, and tenderness.
In psychology, sympathy refers to the feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune. This emotional response is not just an acknowledgment of another's hardship but also involves some level of emotional concern or Care for the other person, though it does not necessarily mean feeling the same emotions as that person.