reality principle
nounPsychoanalysis.
the motivating force or mechanism by which the child, who has previously sought immediate gratification of all wishes, realizes that gratification must sometimes be deferred or forgone.
Origin of reality principle
1First recorded in 1920–25
Words Nearby reality principle
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use reality principle in a sentence
The activities of this “pleasure principle”, however, constantly come into conflict with the “reality principle.”
Studies in Forensic Psychiatry | Bernard Glueck
British Dictionary definitions for reality principle
reality principle
noun
psychoanal control of behaviour by the ego to meet the conditions imposed by the external world
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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