reversal of affect

in psychoanalytic theory, a change in the aim of the instinct into its opposite, as when a masochistic impulse to hurt the self is transformed into a sadistic impulse to hurt others, or vice versa. Also called affect inversion; inversion of affect.

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Psychology term of the day

November 28th 2024

electrode

n. an instrument with a positive-pole cathode and a negative-pole anode used to stimulate biological tissues electrically or record electrical activity in these tissues. Also called bipolar electrode. See also microelectrode.