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 23rd 2025

negative recency

in recalling a list of items, the tendency to recall fewer of the final items of the list than the middle and early items. Negative recency contrasts with the enhanced recall of final items seen in the recency effect. Also called negative recency effect