symptom formation

1. in psychoanalytic theory, the development of a somatic or behavioral manifestation of an unconscious impulse or conflict that provokes anxiety. Also called substitute formation.

2. the process by which the indications of physical or psychological pathology develop.

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

personal construct therapy

a therapy based on the concept of the personal construct. The essence of the approach is to help individuals test the usefulness and validity of their constructs and to revise and elaborate them as necessary to enhance their positive interpretations of and interactions with the world. [developed in the 1950s by George A. Kelly]