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antilibidinal ego

in the object relations theory of British psychoanalyst W. Ronald D. Fairbairn (1889–1964), the portion of the ego structure that is similar to Sigmund Freud’s superego. The antilibidinal ego constitutes a nonpleasure-gratifying, self-deprecatory, or even hostile self-image; it is posited to develop out of the unitary ego present at birth when the infantile libidinal ego (similar to the id) experiences deprivation at the hands of the parent and the infant suppresses his or her frustrated needs. Also called internal saboteur. See Fairbairnian theory.

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Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

sequela

sequela

n. (pl. sequelae) a residual effect of a disease, injury or mental condition, often (but not necessarily) in the form of persistent or permanent impairment. Examples include paralysis, which may be the sequela of poliomyelitis, and flashbacks, which may be the sequelae of traumatic stress.