Delboeuf illusion

a size contrast illusion in which a larger enclosing circle influences the perceived size of a smaller enclosed circle. If the two circles are of similar sizes, the perceived size of the inner circle will be increased. If the size of the enclosing circle is significantly larger, then the perceived size of the inner circle will be decreased. [Joseph-Rémi-Léopold Delboeuf]

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Psychology term of the day

November 16th 2024

antilibidinal ego

in the object relations theory of British psychoanalyst W. Ronald D. Fairbairn (1889–1964), the portion of the ego structure that is similar to Sigmund Freud’s superego. The antilibidinal ego constitutes a nonpleasure-gratifying, self-deprecatory, or even hostile self-image; it is posited to develop out of the unitary ego present at birth when the infantile libidinal ego (similar to the id) experiences deprivation at the hands of the parent and the infant suppresses his or her frustrated needs. Also called internal saboteur. See Fairbairnian theory.