Psychological evaluation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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psychological evaluation
[saษช.kษหlษห.dสษช.kษl ษชหvรฆl.jษหweษช.สษn ]
Definition
mental health assessment
A psychological evaluation is a process of assessing an individual's mental health, emotional well-being, and cognitive functioning. It involves gathering information through interviews, psychological tests, and observations to diagnose and treat psychological disorders.
Synonyms
mental health evaluation, psychological assessment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| psychological evaluation |
Used in medical, educational, or legal settings to determine a person's mental health and psychological state.
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| psychological assessment |
Typically used in professional psychological and clinical settings involving specific tests and tools to understand cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes.
|
| mental health evaluation |
Common in general medical and community settings to assess overall mental well-being, often used for diagnosing mental health disorders.
|
Examples of usage
- The psychologist conducted a psychological evaluation to determine the client's mental health status.
- After the psychological evaluation, the therapist recommended therapy sessions to address the emotional issues.
- The results of the psychological evaluation indicated signs of anxiety and depression.
- The court ordered a psychological evaluation of the defendant to assess their mental competency.
- School psychologists often conduct psychological evaluations to identify learning disabilities.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Psychological evaluations became common in the early 20th century when testing for mental abilities and disorders began.
- The first standardized intelligence test, the Binet-Simon Test, was developed in 1905, influencing many psychological evaluations to follow.
- World War I saw the use of psychological testing to assess soldiersโ suitability for military service.
Modern Applications
- Today, psychological evaluations are used in various settings, such as schools, workplaces, and mental health clinics.
- They can help identify learning disabilities, mental health disorders, and personality traits.
- Evaluations often combine interviews, questionnaires, and standardized tests to create a comprehensive view of an individual.
Pop Culture
- Movies often portray psychological evaluations as intense moments that reveal a character's hidden issues.
- In popular TV shows, therapists frequently perform evaluations to guide characters through personal challenges.
- Books on mental health often reference evaluations as essential tools for characters to undergo transformations.
Science
- Research has shown that psychological evaluations can significantly improve treatment outcomes by tailoring therapies to individual needs.
- Neuroscientific advancements allow better understanding of how specific evaluations correlate with brain functions and mental health.
- Innovative evaluation methods, including digital assessments, are being explored to reach a broader audience.
Origin of 'psychological evaluation'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'psychological' comes from the Greek word 'psyche', meaning 'soul' or 'mind', combined with 'logos', meaning 'study'.
- 'Evaluation' derives from the Latin word 'evaluare', which means 'to value' or 'to determine the worth'.
- Together, the term signifies a thorough inspection of the mindโs workings.
The term 'psychological evaluation' originated in the field of psychology, which developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a scientific discipline focused on studying human behavior and mental processes. The practice of evaluating individuals' mental health and cognitive functioning became essential in diagnosing and treating psychological disorders. Over time, psychological evaluations have evolved to incorporate various assessment tools and techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's psychological well-being.