What does the term subjective refer to in a clinical context?

In a clinical context, the term subjective refers to the experiences and feelings as reported by the individual. This includes personal insights into their symptoms, emotions, and overall health condition. When a person describes how they feel, such as pain levels, emotional state, or side effects of medication, they are providing subjective data that is crucial for understanding their unique circumstances and tailoring treatment accordingly.

This contrasts with objective data, which involves measurable or observable signs, like physical examinations or laboratory results. While other options might relate to clinical assessment, they do not convey the personal nature of an individual's reported experiences, which is the hallmark of what is considered subjective.