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pathological doubt

1. abnormal concern about having failed to perform a particular action, such as locking the door upon leaving the house. It is a common feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

2. a negative belief about one’s ability or future that often results in the inhibition of behavior and is commonly associated with a major depressive episode.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

aggressive character

aggressive character

a personality characterized by a hostile or competitive attitude to others and the pursuit of power, prestige, and material possessions. Karen D. Horney defined the development of such a character as one of three basic neurotic trends used as a defense against basic anxiety. Compare compliant character; detached character.