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organ language

in the context of classical psychoanalytic explanations of psychosomatic illness, the bodily expression of emotional conflict or disturbance. Some believe that understanding the significance to the patient of the organ affected by the illness is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. For example, chronic lumbago (lower backache) with no identifiable organic cause may mean that the patient is feeling put upon, is being a martyr, or is aiming too low in life. Also called organ speech.

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Psychology term of the day

November 27th 2024

respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)

Sorry, "respiratory-sinus-arrhythmia-rsa" is not in the Dictionary of Psychology. Please report to APA if you believe this is an error.