Association (also known as Associations): A functional relationship between psychological phenomena of such nature that the presence of one tends to evoke the other; also, the process by which such a relationship is established.

NIH MeSH · D001244Psychiatry and Psychology

Association

Also known asAssociations

Definition

A functional relationship between psychological phenomena of such nature that the presence of one tends to evoke the other; also, the process by which such a relationship is established.

MeSH classification

  • F02.463.425.069
  • F04.754.720.346

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Related concepts

Association Learning

The principle that items experienced together enter into a connection, so that one tends to reinstate the other.

Automatism

Automatic, mechanical, and apparently undirected behavior which is outside of conscious control.

Avoidance Learning

A response to a cue that is instrumental in avoiding a noxious experience.

Conditioning, Classical

Learning that takes place when a conditioned stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioning, Eyelid

Reflex closure of the eyelid occurring as a result of classical conditioning.

Conditioning, Operant

Learning situations in which the sequence responses of the subject are instrumental in producing reinforcement. When the correct response oc…

Conditioning, Psychological

Simple form of learning involving the formation, strengthening, or weakening of an association between a stimulus and a response.

Critical Period, Psychological

A specific stage in animal and human development during which certain types of behavior normally are shaped and molded for life.

Common questions about Association

What does Association mean in medicine?
A functional relationship between psychological phenomena of such nature that the presence of one tends to evoke the other; also, the process by which such a relationship is established. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Association known by any other names?
Yes. Association is also referred to as Associations in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Association sit in the medical classification?
Association falls under the broader medical category "Psychiatry and Psychology" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: F02.463.425.069, F04.754.720.346). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Association?
For a plain-language explanation of Association - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Association" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D001244) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗