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cycle of violence

a conceptual framework for understanding the persistence of battering relationships. The cycle has three phases: (a) a “honeymoon phase,” in which the batterer treats the partner lovingly; (b) a tension build-up phase, in which the batterer begins to display irritability and anger toward the partner; and (c) the violence phase, in which battering occurs. The phases are then proposed to recycle. As a battering relationship persists over time, the honeymoon phases shorten, and the tension-building and violence phases lengthen. Also called cycle of abuse. [proposed in 1979 by U.S. clinical and forensic psychologist Lenore E. Walker (1942–  )]

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Psychology term of the day

March 17th 2025

mantra

mantra

n.

1. in Hinduism and Buddhism, a sacred utterance, such as a syllable, phrase, or hymn (often in Sanskrit).

2. any verbal formula used for spiritual, religious, or meditative purposes to help block out extraneous thoughts and induce a state of relaxation that enables the individual to reach a deeper level of consciousness. See also concentrative meditation; transcendental meditation. Compare yantra.