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defense reflex

a sudden response elicited by a painful or unexpected stimulus. The term is applied to a variety of responses, ranging from an acceleration in heart rate in reaction to a startling auditory stimulus; through flight, fight, or freezing elicited by perceived threat; to complex psychological responses. Also called defense response.

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Psychology term of the day

February 1st 2025

emotional reeducation

emotional reeducation

psychotherapy focused on modifying the client’s attitudes, feelings, and reactions by helping him or her gain insight into emotional conflicts and self-defeating behavior arising from affective disturbance or disorder. Typical objectives are an increase in self-confidence, sociability, and self-reliance. The methods used include group discussions, personal counseling, relationship therapy, and self-exploration.