diathesis–stress model

the theory that mental and physical disorders develop from a genetic or biological predisposition for that illness (diathesis) combined with stressful conditions that play a precipitating or facilitating role. Also called diathesis–stress hypothesis (or paradigm or theory). See also stress–vulnerability model.

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Psychology term of the day

April 28th 2024

self-extinction

n. in psychoanalytic theory, a form of neurotic behavior in which the patient lacks experience of himself or herself as an entity and identifies vicariously with the experiences and lives of others. [introduced by Karen D. Horney]