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parergasia

n.

1. a symptom of schizophrenia in which the individual performs an action that is not intended, such as opening the mouth when asked to close the eyes. [defined by Emil Kraepelin]

2. a former name for schizophrenia, introduced by Adolf Meyer to replace dementia praecox, since he believed this disorder is best described in terms of disorganized behavior and distorted thought processes.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

agape

agape

n. a complex form of love involving feelings of tenderness; protectiveness; self-denial; and aesthetic preference for the features, gestures, speech, and other traits of a person. The term, which derives from a Greek word meaning “brotherly love,” is sometimes used to denote an unselfish love as taught by such religious figures as Jesus and the Buddha.