preoedipal

adj.

1. in classical psychoanalytic theory, pertaining to the first stages of psychosexual development, before the development of the Oedipus complex during the phallic stage. During this phase, the mother is the exclusive love object of both sexes and the father is not yet considered either a rival or a love object.

2. more generally, denoting organization or functions before the onset of the Oedipus complex. See also prephallic.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

facial disfigurement

any distortion, malformation, or abnormality of facial features due to injury, disease, or congenital anomaly. Because of a common tendency to assign traits to individuals on the basis of their facial features, people with facial disfigurements are particularly vulnerable to social, psychological, and economic discrimination and unfavorable stress effects.