primary repression

in psychoanalytic theory, the first phase of repression, in which ideas associated with instinctual wishes are screened out and prevented from becoming conscious. Primary repression contrasts with repression proper, in which the repressed material has already been in the realm of consciousness. Also called primal repression.

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Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

work group

any group of people whose primary objective is to perform a set of assigned tasks. The degree to which this collection becomes a cohesive unit with a distinct identity determines whether a work group becomes a team. See also action group; task-oriented group.