Thanatos

n. the personification of death and the brother of Hypnos (sleep) in Greek mythology, whose name was chosen by Sigmund Freud to designate a theoretical set of strivings oriented toward the reduction of tension and life activity (see death instinct). In Freud’s dual instinct theory, Thanatos is seen as involved in a dialectic process with Eros (love), the striving toward sexuality, continued development, and heightened experience (see life instinct). See also nirvana principle.

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Psychology term of the day

April 26th 2024

role model

a person or group serving as an exemplar for the goals, attitudes, or behavior of an individual, who identifies with and seeks to imitate the role model.