psychologicalization

Definition

The act of interpreting everyday human problems, setbacks, or life stressors as clinical symptoms of a mental health disorder.

Etymology

Derived from the word 'psychological' (from the Greek 'psyche' meaning soul or mind) combined with the suffix '-ization,' which indicates a process or state of becoming.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how students increasingly view normal academic challenges or stress through a clinical lens, which the author argues can be counterproductive.

Are pass-fail systems helping or hindering first-year students?

Psychology Today

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