flight from reality

a defensive reaction involving withdrawal into inactivity, detachment, or fantasy as an unconscious defense against anxiety-provoking situations. This may be expressed as a number of defensive behaviors, such as rationalization, daydreaming, or substance abuse. It may include a retreat into psychotic behavior as a means of avoiding real or imagined problems. Also called retreat from reality. See also escape from reality. Compare flight into fantasy; flight into reality.

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Psychology term of the day

October 18th 2024

extirpation

n. see ablation.