| 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) |
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| 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) |
| united states social security administration | The social security administration administers a national program of contributory social insurance whereby employees, employers, and the self-employed pay contributions that are pooled in special trust funds. When earnings are reduced because of retirement, death, or disability, monthly benefits are paid to partially replace lost earnings. Part of the contributions go into a separate hospital insurance trust fund for workers when they become 65 to provide help with medical expenses. Other programs include the supplemental social security income program for the aged, blind, and disabled and the old age survivors and disability insurance program. Ssa became an independent agency march 31, 1995. It had previously been part of the department of health, education, and welfare, later the department of health and human services. (12 Dec 1998) |