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compassionate love

a form of love that emphasizes the well-being of another person. Compassionate love is affectionate and giving, focused on reducing the other’s suffering and promoting the other’s flourishing. Originally used to define a type of selfless caring described by several religious traditions, the concept is now applied broadly to romantic partners, family members, social groups, and humanity as a whole. Compassionate love is similar to the Platonic ideal of altruistic love. See also agape; companionate love; passionate love.

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Psychology term of the day

February 14th 2025

educational sport psychology

educational sport psychology

a specialty focused on the use of psychological methods to improve performance in sport. Educational sport psychologists assist participants in sport to optimize performance enhancement through, for example, use of imagery and attentional focus. Education and training may also be informed by sport science, physical education, or kinesiology. Compare clinical sport psychology.