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father surrogate

a substitute for a person’s biological father, who performs typical paternal functions and serves as an object of identification and attachment. Father surrogates may include such individuals as adoptive fathers, stepfathers, older brothers, teachers, and others. Also called father figure; surrogate father.

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Psychology term of the day

March 17th 2025

micturition reflex

micturition reflex

reflex contraction of the bladder in response to signals from its stretch receptors. During development, a child learns to suppress the micturition reflex and to control urination. Also called bladder reflex.