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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

October 9th 2024

bradykinesia

bradykinesia

n. abnormal slowness in the execution of voluntary movements. Also called bradykinesis. Compare hypokinesis. —bradykinetic adj.