psychic determinism

American  

noun

1. the theory that all aspects of a person's psychological makeup arise from specific causes or forces, as previous experiences or instinctual drives, which may be conscious or unconscious.

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psychic determinism British  

noun

1. psychol the assumption, made esp by Freud, that mental processes do not occur by chance but that a cause can always be found for them

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Etymology

Origin of psychic determinism

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

As I am addressing those who are primarily interested for the moment in criminology, I may do well to begin with the subject of psychic determinism.

From Studies in Forensic Psychiatry by Glueck, Bernard

Its proper understanding, however, no matter under what circumstances and to what degree it be manifested, will be possible only through a strict adherence to the theory of absolute psychic determinism.

From Studies in Forensic Psychiatry by Glueck, Bernard