reality principle
noun Psychoanalysis.
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
First recorded in 1920–25
Words nearby reality principle
realistic,
reality,
reality awareness,
reality check,
reality fiction,
reality principle,
reality show,
reality testing,
reality tv,
reality-based,
realization
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
Medical definitions for reality principle
reality principle
n.
In psychoanalysis, awareness of and adjustment to environmental demands in a manner that moderates the pleasure principle and assures ultimate satisfaction of instinctual needs.