mal de pelea

a culture-bound syndrome found in Puerto Rico that is similar to amok. Individuals experience a period of brooding and then suddenly become violent and attack others around them (the Spanish name literally means “fighting sickness”). Also called Puerto Rican syndrome.

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Psychology term of the day

February 19th 2025

scotomization

n. in psychoanalytic theory, the tendency to ignore or be blind to impulses or memories that would threaten the individual’s ego. Scotomization is a defensive process and may also be a form of resistance. Also called scotomatization. See also blind spot.