Eros

n. the god of love in Greek mythology (equivalent to the Roman Cupid), whose name was chosen by Sigmund Freud to designate a theoretical set of strivings oriented toward sexuality, development, and increased life activity (see life instinct). In Freud’s dual instinct theory, Eros is seen as involved in a dialectic process with Thanatos, the striving toward reduced psychical tension and life activity (see death instinct). See also libido.

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

unipolar rating scale

a type of instrument that prompts a respondent to evaluate the degree to which a single quality or attribute is present. For example, consider a scale with the following anchors or benchmarks: (1) not at all satisfied, (2) slightly satisfied, (3) moderately satisfied, (4) very satisfied, and (5) completely satisfied. Because there is no anchor that represents the opposing quality of dissatisfaction, the scale has one pole. Also called unipolar scale. Compare bipolar rating scale.