Glossary · Clinical Psychology Learning Lab

Defence mechanisms Textbook concept

In psychodynamic theory, largely unconscious strategies the ego uses to manage anxiety, such as repression, denial and projection.

Dementia praecox Textbook concept

A historical term, associated with Emil Kraepelin, for the condition later called schizophrenia.

Dependent variable (DV) Textbook concept

The outcome measured in a study to see whether it is affected by the independent variable.

Deterioration (in therapy) Textbook concept

Worsening of a client's condition during treatment; monitoring helps detect it.

Diathesis–stress model Textbook concept

The view that disorders arise when a predisposing vulnerability interacts with sufficient stress.

Disengagement Textbook concept

In family systems theory, overly rigid boundaries leading to emotional distance and under-involvement among members.

Dismantling strategy Textbook concept

A research strategy that removes components of a treatment to identify which are necessary.

Diversity Textbook concept

Variation in culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, class and other identities that shapes experience and care.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Textbook concept

A research doctorate; in US clinical psychology, typically trained in the scientist-practitioner model.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Textbook concept

A professional doctorate emphasising clinical practice, associated with the Vail model.

Documentation Original elaboration

Accurate, timely, secure and necessary records of professional activities.

Dodo bird verdict Contemporary update

Shorthand for the finding that many bona fide psychotherapies produce broadly similar outcomes.

Dropout Textbook concept

Ending therapy prematurely without a planned termination.

Dual (multiple) relationships Textbook concept

Situations in which a psychologist has a professional role and another role with the same person, risking exploitation or impaired objectivity.

Dualism Textbook concept

The philosophical view that mind and body are separate entities.

Duty to protect Contemporary update

A legal or ethical obligation, defined differently by jurisdiction, to take reasonable steps when a client poses a serious risk to others.