reality testing

any means by which an individual determines and assesses his or her limitations in the face of biological, physiological, social, or environmental actualities or exigencies. It enables the individual to distinguish between self and nonself and between fantasy and real life. Defective reality testing is the major feature of psychosis.

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Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

energization theory

the theory that the subjective perception of a goal’s value or attainability corresponds to the level of energy expended to reach that goal. [proposed by Jack W. Brehm and colleagues]