Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms

The Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms is a book developed by the American Psychological Association to provide a controlled and standardized vocabulary for cataloging and retrieving information.

The most current edition of the Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms is located at the Reference Desk under the call number Ref Desk BF32 .T48 10 th ed. 2005. 

The Thesaurus is divided into the following 3 sections. While each section serves a distinct purpose, the three are meant to be used in cooperation, with the Relationship Section serving as the primary listing of all descriptors. Sections 2 and 3 are meant to be used with Section 1 and refer back to it.

Section 1: Relationship Section

This section provides an alphabetical listing of all controlled-vocabulary terms, referred to as descriptors or index terms.

It also provides suggestions for broader, narrower, and related terms.

Here is a sample page from the Relationship Section:

Section 2: Rotated Alphabetical Terms Section

This section is used when you have a general idea of terminology for a concept, but are unsure of the exact terms to use. This section serves as an index to the entries listed in Part 1. Terms and concepts identified using Part 2 should be reviewed in Part 1 for additional information and direction. Here is a sample page.

Section 3: Term Cluster Section

This section lists terms grouped under 9 broad subject categories and numerous subcategories to allow users to browse a range of conceptually-related terms.

Clusters are collections of index terms that are related to one another conceptually, that fit into broader categories and subcategories.

Here is a sample page from the Disorders Cluster: