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narcissistic personality disorder

in DSM–IV–TR and DSM–5, a personality disorder with the following characteristics: (a) a long-standing pattern of grandiose self-importance and an exaggerated sense of talent and achievements; (b) fantasies of unlimited sex, power, brilliance, or beauty; (c) an exhibitionistic need for attention and admiration; (d) either cool indifference or feelings of rage, humiliation, or emptiness as a response to criticism, indifference, or defeat; and (e) various interpersonal disturbances, such as feeling entitled to special favors, taking advantage of others, and inability to empathize with the feelings of others. [originally formulated by psychoanalysts Wilhelm Reich (1897–1957), Otto Kernberg (1928–  ), and Heinz Kohut (1913–1981) and psychologist Theodore Millon]

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Psychology term of the day

December 23rd 2024

delta rule

delta rule

the principle that the change in strength of an association during learning is a function of the difference between the maximal strength possible and the current strength of the association. The delta rule is used in associationistic learning theory (see associative learning).