PsychologyJuly 5, 2026
centrality
/sɛnˈtrælɪti/
Definition
The degree to which a specific symptom acts as a core, influential node within a network of interconnected psychological issues.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'centralis' meaning 'relating to a center.' It entered English in the 17th century to denote the state or quality of being in or near the center.
In the news
In this study, researchers used centrality to identify which symptoms were most dominant in driving other mental health problems in rural versus urban children. It helps explain how specific issues, like behavioral problems in urban youth, act as key hubs that trigger or maintain other difficulties.
Pediatric investigation study reveals urbanization shapes mental health of youth in China
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!