emergent leader

in the social psychology of groups, an individual who becomes the leader of an initially leaderless group gradually and implicitly, as the members allow that individual to assume the responsibilities of the leadership role, rather than by appointment or election. See also leadership emergence.

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Psychology term of the day

February 25th 2025

psychomimic syndrome

a condition in which an individual who lacks physical evidence of an illness develops symptoms of an illness experienced by another person, who may have died of the disorder. The symptoms usually occur around the anniversary of the death of the other person. See also anniversary reaction.