coping mechanism

any conscious or nonconscious adjustment or adaptation that decreases tension and anxiety in a stressful experience or situation. Modifying maladaptive coping mechanisms is often the focus of psychological interventions. See also coping behavior; coping strategy.

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Psychology term of the day

December 30th 2024

criminal type

a classification of individuals who repeatedly engage in criminal or illegal acts, supposedly because of a genetic predisposition to do so.