g factor Charles Spearman’s term for general intellectual ability. 14
gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) The most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter, it is found in parts of the brain involving emotion and anxiety. 3
ganglion cells Nerve tissue cells of the eye that form the fibers of the optic nerve. 4
gate-control theory A theory asserting that the sensation of pain depends on the balance of activity between large- and small-diameter nerve fibers within the spinal cord. 4
gender roles Patterns of behavior generally associated with masculinity or femininity. 10
general adaptation syndrome According to Hans Selye, the set of physiological responses that are evoked by all unusually demanding stresses, pleasurable as well as painful, on the body. 12
general paresis An irreversible deterioration of all mental and physical processes. It is the final stage of syphilis. 15
generalization gradient The decreasing tendency to generalize a conditioned response as the resemblance between a new stimulus and a conditioned one declines. 6
generalized anxiety A state of persistent apprehension without good cause. 15
generativity According to Erik Erikson’s theory of social and personality development, the challenge of learning how to reach out and become concerned with the well-being of future generations. 10
genital stage According to Freud, the fifth psychosexual stage (occurring from puberty on), during which the sexual focus shifts from autoeroticism to sexual intercourse. 13
gestalt A meaningful pattern that the brain constructs from sensory information. 4
gestalt therapy A therapeutic approach developed by Frederick Perls that emphasizes the present and attempts to make a client whole by ridding him or her of defenses, increasing awareness, and releasing pent-up feelings. 16
glia Cells that hold neurons in place, carry nutrients to them, repair and protect them, and aid in the propagation of impulses. 3
graded potentials Changes in electrical potential of dendrites in proportion to the amount of stimulation being received. 3
grasping reflex The tendency of a baby to grasp a person’s finger if you place it on one of the baby’s hands. 9
group A collection of two or more people who interact regularly in fairly structured and predictable ways, share one or more specific goals, and identify themselves as part of a whole, sharing to some extent a common fate. 18
group therapy Any therapy that is applied to an interacting group of people. 16
groupthink A phenomenon that occurs when a small, cohesive group becomes so concerned with maintaining unanimity that its members can no longer appraise alternatives realistically. 18