parataxic distortion


noun Psychiatry.

a distortion in perception, especially of interpersonal relationships, based on a tendency to perceive others in accordance with a pattern determined by previous experiences.

Origin of parataxic distortion

First recorded in 1960–65

Medical definitions for parataxic distortion

parataxic distortion
[ păr′ə-tăksĭk ]

n.

An attitude toward a person based on a distorted evaluation, usually due to identifying that person with emotionally significant individuals from the past.