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guiding fiction

a personal principle that serves as a guideline by which individuals can understand and evaluate their experiences and determine their lifestyle. In individuals considered to be in good or reasonable mental health, the guiding fiction is assumed to be realistic and adaptive. In those who are not, it is assumed to be unrealistic and nonadaptive. [term originally used by Alfred Adler]

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

substitution hypothesis

substitution hypothesis

see alteration hypothesis.