intrusive thoughts

mental events that interrupt the flow of task-related thoughts in spite of efforts to avoid them. Minor intrusions are normal and widespread (see mind wandering). Upsetting intrusions are common after trauma and in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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Psychology term of the day

January 29th 2025

arousal–performance relationship

the pattern of association between cognitive or physiological arousal (or both) and achievement at physical or cognitive tasks. Also called anxiety–performance relationship. See catastrophe theory; inverted-U hypothesis; reversal theory.