a psychological difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a psychological difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mental or emotional challenge that someone is experiencing. Example: "Many individuals face a psychological difficulty when dealing with the loss of a loved one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They are called on in crisis, and the crisis can be someone dying or ill, a psychological difficulty, a marital quarrel, a theft, or weather that must be predicted".

Vice

Healthcare professionals seem to have both a physical and a psychological difficulty contacting and communicating with one another (figure 1, quote 7).

BMJ Quality and Safety

Keep in mind that there may be a psychological difficulty that may come across as arrogance (seeming aloof or closed off or insecure with a false sense of self).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Not being able to "work through" a stage was considered a sign of psychological difficulty and therapists were encouraged to help people pass through each of the "phases".

The Guardian

Her death, according to the petition, followed previous attempts to take her own life and a long history of psychological difficulty made worse by postpartum depression.

The New York Times

- Participant in difficulty or non compliant: the treatment plan is no longer valid or not followed, unwillingness exists, or the subject is in psychological difficulty: a new treatment plan is eventually suggested, which is already tried during the phone call.

BMC Psychiatry

"It's clumsy, awkward, and ugly," Choueiri goes on, "and it has the important psychological difficulty, of course, of working only until your wife comes home".

The New Yorker

Even asylum seekers who surmount the psychological difficulty of this limbo confront constant practical challenges, such as finding healthcare, a job, or a place to stay.

Vice

Part of the challenge and psychological difficulty is you're eight months into it and I didn't even know if it was going to work.

Vice

It is a strong risk factor for suicide and is associated with a host of psychological difficulties and disorders which include, but are not limited to: mood and anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, difficulties with negative affect (e.g., anxiety, frustration), hopelessness, self-criticism, poor body image, and low self-esteem [ 2, 3].

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

All of this might sound hard to believe, and Luhn has acknowledged a history of psychological difficulties.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a psychological difficulty", ensure that the context clarifies whether it's a general or specific condition. If specific, consider naming the condition (e.g. anxiety, depression) for clarity.

Common error

Don't use "a psychological difficulty" as a vague substitute for a more precise diagnosis. If possible, identify the specific nature of the difficulty for more effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a psychological difficulty" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a mental or emotional challenge, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a psychological difficulty" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing a mental or emotional challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it appears in varied sources like news, scientific articles, and wikis, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, consider specifying the nature of the difficulty for clarity, and avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "a mental health challenge" or "an emotional problem" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a psychological issue

Substitutes "difficulty" with "issue", offering a slightly less intense term.

a mental health challenge

Replaces "psychological difficulty" with "mental health challenge", which is a common and acceptable alternative.

a mental health problem

Replaces "psychological difficulty" with "mental health problem", providing a more clinical term.

an emotional problem

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the difficulty, simplifying the expression.

a mental struggle

Replaces "difficulty" with "struggle", emphasizing the effort required to overcome the issue.

a psychological obstacle

Presents the difficulty as something that obstructs progress or well-being.

an emotional burden

Conveys the difficulty as a heavy emotional weight.

a challenging mental state

Offers a more descriptive and nuanced alternative.

a mental block

Suggests a temporary inability to think or perform effectively.

a cognitive impairment

Focuses on cognitive aspects, suggesting a specific type of psychological difficulty.

FAQs

What does "a psychological difficulty" mean?

The phrase "a psychological difficulty" refers to a mental or emotional problem that affects a person's thoughts, feelings, or behavior. It is a broad term that can encompass a wide range of conditions.

What are some examples of "a psychological difficulty"?

Examples of "a psychological difficulty" can include anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. It can also refer to temporary emotional challenges like grief or stress.

How is "a psychological difficulty" different from "a mental illness"?

"A psychological difficulty" is a broader term that may include temporary or less severe issues, whereas "mental illness" often implies a diagnosed condition with significant functional impairment. "A psychological difficulty" might be a precursor to a mental illness, or a temporary reaction to stress.

What can I say instead of "a psychological difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "a mental health challenge", "an emotional problem", or "a mental struggle" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.