conscious resistance

in psychoanalysis, the patient’s deliberate withholding of unconscious material that has newly risen into consciousness. This withholding tends to occur because of shame, fear of rejection, or distrust of the analyst.

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Psychology term of the day

January 24th 2025

helplessness

n. a state of incapacity, vulnerability, or powerlessness associated with the perception that one cannot do much to improve a negative situation that has arisen. Theorists have suggested that helplessness underlies various forms of anxiety, dependence, withdrawal, and demoralization. See also coping potential; learned helplessness. —helpless adj.