fetishism

n. a type of paraphilia in which inanimate objects—commonly undergarments, stockings, rubber items, shoes, or boots—are repeatedly or exclusively used in achieving sexual excitement. Objects designed for use in stimulating the genitals (e.g., vibrators) are not considered to be involved in fetishism. Fetishism occurs primarily among males and may compete or interfere with sexual contact with a partner. See also partialism. —fetishistic adj.

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

predictive discriminant analysis

a multivariate procedure that distinguishes between two or more categories of a future outcome on the basis of several current assessments of predictor or explanatory variables. More specifically, the technique combines variables measured at one point in time to produce the highest possible association with different levels or categories of an outcome measured at a subsequent point in time. For example, a researcher might measure daily levels of exercise, cholesterol, and average stress and use this information to predict which individuals will have a diagnosis of serious, mild, or no heart disease 6 months later. Compare descriptive discriminant analysis.