emotional insulation

a defense mechanism characterized by seeming indifference and detachment in response to frustrating situations or disappointing events. The extreme of emotional insulation is found in states of complete apathy and catatonic stupor; in lesser forms, it appears as emotional isolation.

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Psychology term of the day

February 28th 2025

hypnotic regression

a therapeutic technique in which an individual under hypnosis is induced to relive a previous experience that may be contributing to current emotional difficulties. There are two types of hypnotic regression: age regression and past-life regression.