Category: S
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Sociobiology
The study of the evolution of social behavior. This field of study is rooted in evolutionary biology, ethology, and comparative psychology. A subcategory of biology that attempts to trace social behavior to genetically based predispositions, an approach that has led to some controversy when extended to humans. Analysis of social behavior in terms of evolutionary…
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Social work
A profession whose primary concern is how human needs—both of individuals and of groups—can be met within society. Social and behavioral sciences provide its educational base. The services provided include general social services, such as health and education, and welfare services to targeted groups such as the economically disadvantaged, the disabled, the elderly, or victims…
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Social withdrawal
A pathological retreat from people or the world of reality, often seen in schizophrenia.
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Social psychiatry
The field of psychiatry concerned with the cultural, ecological, and sociological factors that engender, precipitate, intensify, prolong, or otherwise complicate maladaptive patterns of behavior and their treatment.
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Socialization
The process by which society integrates the person and the way he or she learns to become a functioning member of that society. The process through which persons learn the values, beliefs, and behavior patterns of the social group. Introduction to the norms that a society has for its members. Process by which a person…
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Social breakdown syndrome
The concept that some psychiatric symptomatology is a result of treatment conditions and inadequate facilities and not a part of the primary illness. Factors bringing about the condition are social labeling, learning the role of the chronically sick, atrophy of work and social skills, and identification with the sick.
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Social anthropology
The study of human society, with emphasis on the development of institutions, social roles, tribal organization, community structure, political systems, economic organization, and so forth.
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Social adaptation
The ability to live and express oneself according to society’s restrictions and cultural demands.
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Smooth pursuit eye movements (SPEM)
A tracking system that enables the viewer to keep a moving target in focus.
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Smith-Magenis syndrome
A syndrome of abnormal physical, developmental, and behavioral features due to microdeletion of chromosome 17. Behavioral problems include affective lability, temper tantrums, impulsivity, anxiety, physical aggression, destruction, argumentativeness, and sleep difficulties. Smith-Magenis Syndrome is a multiple congenital anomaly chromosomal disorder associated with deletion in the proximal arm of Chromosome 17. Albeit underdiagnosed, SMS is considered…