divided consciousness

Ernest R. Hilgard’s characterization of dissociation as a state in which one stream of mental activity (e.g., perception, memory, planning) proceeds outside of phenomenal awareness and apparently outside of voluntary control. In his neodissociation theory, Hilgard proposed that this state could be best studied through hypnosis. See also coconsciousness; unity of consciousness.

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

Machiavellianism

n. a personality trait marked by a calculating attitude toward human relationships and a belief that ends justify means, however ruthless. A Machiavellian is one who views other people more or less as objects to be manipulated in pursuit of his or her goals, if necessary through deliberate deception. [Niccolò Machiavelli, who argued that an effective ruler must be prepared to act in this way]