imago therapy

a type of therapy for relationship problems based on the theory that people carry unconscious composite images (see imago) of the character traits and behaviors of their primary childhood caretakers that impel them to select certain partners and to behave in ways that are meant to heal earlier emotional wounds but that actually create relationship problems. Structured exercises, either in groups or in couples therapy, reveal the imago and help individuals learn to become less defensive and more compassionate toward partners as well as themselves.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

equity theory

a theory of justice regarding what individuals are likely to view as a fair return from activities involving themselves and a number of other people. The theory posits that people compare the ratio of the outcome of the activity—that is, the benefits they receive from it (e.g., pay, fringe benefits, intrinsic gratifications, recognition)—to their inputs (e.g., effort, seniority, skills, social status) with the outcome-to-input ratios of those engaged in a comparable activity. Outcomes are equitable only when people receive benefits that are proportional to their inputs. See external inequity; internal inequity; overpayment inequity; underpayment inequity.