Negativism: meaning, definitions and examples

Psychology

• Negativism can be a sign of certain mental health conditions, where a person may resist treatment or refuse to cooperate.
• The concept of negativism is often discussed in the context of oppositional behavior, particularly in children and adolescents.

Historical Origins

• The term 'negativism' originates from the Latin root 'negare,' which means 'to deny.'
• It was first introduced into psychology in the late 19th century to describe behaviors that oppose or reject norms.
• Philosophically, negativism can be traced back to discussions on skepticism, questioning the validity of positive assertions.

Cultural References

• Negativism is often portrayed in movies and literature as the antagonist's mindset, where they see the world through a lens of cynicism.
• In popular culture, the term is sometimes used humorously to describe a pessimistic friend who always brings down the mood.

Impact on Society

• Social media can amplify negativism by creating echo chambers that reinforce negative thoughts and feelings.
• Community initiatives often focus on combating negativism by promoting positive thinking and resilience.

Philosophy

• Negativism can be linked to existential philosophy, where individuals confront the absurdity of life by focusing on its darker aspects.
• Some philosophical movements emphasize the necessity of acknowledging negativity to achieve a more meaningful understanding of existence.

This word's position of #32,291 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32288 mineralogist
• 32289 undefinable
• 32290 deliquescent
• 32291 negativism
• 32292 mufti
• 32293 sturdier
• 32294 foulness
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