maternal memory

the long-term retention of memory for maternal behavior. Once a female animal has experienced a pregnancy and interaction with her offspring, she retains the memory of the requisite behaviors for their care. For example, a female rat that has already had pups will be quicker to display maternal behavior when placed with foster pups than will a female rat that has not experienced pregnancy and pup-rearing. See also maternal brain.

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Psychology term of the day

January 15th 2025

overcontrolled

adj. denoting behavior that is inhibited and constrained, often driven by shyness or fear of rejection. The word is typically used to describe the behavior of children thought to be at risk for depression, but it may also refer to similar behavior in adults.