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parental rejection

persistent denial of approval, affection, or care of a child by one or both parents, sometimes concealed beneath a cover of overindulgence or overprotection. The frequent results are corrosion of the child’s self-esteem and self-confidence, a poor self-image, inability to form attachments to others, tantrums, generalized hostility, and development of psychophysical and emotional disturbances. See child neglect.

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Psychology term of the day

December 24th 2024

incompetence

incompetence

n.

1. the inability to carry out a required task or activity adequately.

2. in law, the inability of a defendant to participate meaningfully in criminal proceedings, which include all elements of the criminal justice system, from initial interrogation to sentencing. Defendants who do not have the ability to communicate with attorneys or understand the proceedings may be ruled incompetent to stand trial (see competency to stand trial). See also Dusky standard.

3. in law, the inability to make sound judgments regarding one’s transactions or personal affairs. See legal capacity. Also called incompetency. Compare competence. —incompetent adj.