Terms beginning with B
Which psychology terms begin with B?
5 entries beginning with B: Big Five Personality Traits, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Burnout, Bystander Effect.
From the PsychologyOrbit knowledge base on 2 November 2026.
B
Big Five Personality Traits
A five-factor description of personality — openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism — derived from the structure of trait language and replicated across many samples and instruments.
Bipolar Disorder
A mood disorder marked by episodes of mania or hypomania — elevated or irritable mood with increased energy — usually alongside episodes of depression. It is highly treatable, but often misdiagnosed as depression for years.
Borderline Personality Disorder
A diagnosis describing a pervasive pattern of instability in relationships, self-image and affect, with marked impulsivity, frequent self-harm and intense fear of abandonment. The label itself is contested.
Burnout
A syndrome of emotional exhaustion, cynicism and reduced professional efficacy arising from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Classified as an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition.
Bystander Effect
The finding that a person is less likely to help in an emergency when other people are present. Its textbook origin story is largely inaccurate, and real-world footage shows that in public conflicts someone usually does intervene.
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