symptomatic act

an action that appears to be intended for one purpose (or to have no particular purpose) but that betrays a hidden intention or meaning. In classical psychoanalytic theory, such acts are thought to represent repressed impulses, affects, or ideas. Also called symbolic action. See also compromise formation; Freudian slip; parapraxis; symptom formation.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

slow-wave sleep

deep sleep that is characterized by increasing percentages of particular types of delta waves on the electroencephalogram, corresponding to Stages 3 and 4 of NREM sleep. See also sleep stages.