As a technique for exploring the mental processes, psychoanalysis includes the use of free association and the analysis and interpretation of dreams, resistances, and transferences. As a form of psychotherapy, it uses the investigative technique, guided by Freud's libido and instinct theories and by ego psychology, to gain insight into a person's unconscious motivations, conflicts, and symbols and thus to effect a change in maladaptive behavior. Reinforcement Positive reinforcement refers to the process by which certain consequences of behavior increase the probability that the behavior will occur again. Positive reinforcers tend to be viewed as pleasant. Negative reinforcement describes that process by which behavior that leads to the removal of an unpleasant event strengthens that behavior.
Negative reinforcers tend to be viewed as unpleasant.
Stimuli that possess inherent reinforcing characteristics are called primary reinforcers, e.g., food. Stimuli that acquire reinforcing characteristics by being paired with primary reinforcers are called conditioned reinforcers, e.g., money. Schizophrenia A psychotic mental disorder of unknown etiology characterized by disturbances in thinking, mood, and behavior. Types of schizophrenia include disorganized, catatonic, paranoid, undifferentiated, and residual. Sexual Disfunction Class of sexual disorders characterized by inhibitions in sexual desire or the psychophysiologic changes that characterize the sexual response cycle.