| social perception | The perceiving of attributes, characteristics, and behaviours of one's associates or social groups. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| social planning | Interactional process combining investigation, discussion, and agreement by a number of people in the preparation and carrying out of a program to ameliorate conditions of need or social pathology in the community. It usually involves the action of a formal political, legal, or recognised voluntary body. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social problems | Situations affecting a significant number of people, that are believed to be sources of difficulty or threaten the stability of the community, and that require programs of amelioration. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social psychiatry | An approach to psychiatric theory and practice emphasizing the cultural and sociological aspects of mental disorder and treatment; the application of psychiatry to social problems. See: community psychiatry. (05 Mar 2000) |
| social reinforcement | <psychology> The strengthening of a response with a social reward such as a nod of approval, a parent's love or attention. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social responsibility | <psychology> The obligations and accountability assumed in carrying out actions or ideas in behalf of others. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social sciences | Disciplines concerned with the interrelationships of individuals in a social environment including social organizations and institutions. Includes sociology and anthropology. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social security | Government sponsored social insurance programs. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social support | Support systems that provide assistance and encouragement to individuals with physical or emotional disabilities in order that they may better cope. Informal social support is usually provided by friends, relatives, or peers, while formal assistance is provided by churches, groups, etc. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social therapy | <psychiatry> A psychiatric rehabilitative therapy to improve a patient's social functioning. (05 Mar 2000) |
| social values | <psychology> Abstract standards or empirical variables in social life which are believed to be important and/or desirable. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social welfare | Organised institutions which provide services to ameliorate conditions of need or social pathology in the community. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social work | The use of community resources, individual case work, or group work to promote the adaptive capacities of individuals in relation to their social and economic environments. It includes social service agencies. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social work department, hospital | Hospital department responsible for administering and providing social services to patients and their families. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social worker | <specialist> An individual, usually with a university degree in social work, who provides counsel and aid to individuals with emotional and family problems. (05 Mar 2000) |