Behavioral health
A field focused on how behaviors affect overall health and well-being, including the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.
Behavioral activation
A treatment technique used in cognitive-behavioral therapy that encourages individuals to engage in activities that improve mood and reduce depression.
Attachment theory
A psychological model that explains how early relationships with caregivers shape a person’s ability to form bonds and regulate emotions throughout life.
Thick description
A detailed, nuanced account of social behavior that includes context and meaning, helping to interpret not just what people do, but why they do it.
Reflexivity
The practice of critically examining one’s own role, background, and potential biases when conducting research, especially in qualitative or ethnographic work.
Rapid ethnographic assessment
A form of ethnography that utilizes less time than traditional ethnography in order to provide more rapid results to inform policy or public health decisions.
Participant observation
A key method in ethnographic research where the researcher becomes involved in the daily life of the group being studied to gain deeper understanding. This is the method used in ethnography and can be very structured and systematic.
Grounded theory
A research approach in qualitative studies where theories are developed inductively from data collected, rather than testing pre-existing hypotheses.
Etic perspectives
An outside or analytical view of cultural groups, often used by researchers to compare behaviors and systems across different cultural groups.
