escape behavior

any response designed to move away from or eliminate an already present aversive stimulus. Escape behavior may be mental (through fantasy or daydreams) or behavioral (physical withdrawal from a noxious stimulus or a conditioned response, as when an animal taps a lever in order to terminate a shock). See also active avoidance. Compare avoidance behavior.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

November 19th 2024

sex education

a formal course of instruction in reproductive processes that is presented in a classroom setting. Sex education ideally provides young adolescents with authoritative and objective information about both the psychological and physical aspects of sexual behavior.