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flight into health

in psychotherapy, an abrupt “recuperation” by a prospective client after or during intake interviews and before entry into therapy proper or, more commonly, by a client in ongoing therapy in order to avoid further confrontation with cognitive, emotional, or behavioral problems. Psychoanalytic theory interprets the flight into health as an unconscious defense mechanism. Also called transference cure; transference remission.

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Psychology term of the day

January 15th 2025

experimental realism

experimental realism

the extent to which a controlled study is meaningful and engaging to participants, eliciting responses that are spontaneous and natural. See also mundane realism.