surplus energy theory

the hypothesis that children and young animals engage in locomotor play because they have excess energy that needs to be expended. See also play.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

laxative addiction

a dependence on the use of laxatives to induce bowel movements. The addiction is a vicious cycle, in which the use of laxatives gradually reduces bowel activity so that further use becomes the only way to avoid constipation. Laxative addiction is often associated with eating disorders in which laxatives are routinely used for purging. See also enema addiction; klismaphilia.