overcompensation
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Excessive compensation: An attempt to correct for a real or perceived weakness, flaw, or problem by applying an extreme or disproportionate amount of effort, resources, or focus in the opposite direction, often resulting in a new imbalance.
- (In psychiatry): A psychological defense mechanism where an individual attempts to overcome a real or imagined personal defect or unwanted trait by aggressively adopting and exaggerating the opposite attitude or behavior.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- His lavish spending on the project was an overcompensation for the earlier budget cuts.
- In her analysis, the character's extreme arrogance is a classic case of overcompensation for deep-seated insecurity.
- The therapist noted that his need to always be right might be an overcompensation for feelings of inadequacy.
Advanced Usage
- Psychological Context: The term is frequently used in psychoanalytic and behavioral psychology to describe behavior that is disproportionately vigorous and is undertaken to neutralize a perceived deficiency.
- The theory suggests that bullying can sometimes be an overcompensation for feelings of powerlessness at home.
Variants and Related Words
- Overcompensate (verb): To engage in overcompensation.
- He tends to overcompensate for his shyness by being overly talkative in meetings.
- Compensation (noun): The act of making up for something, a more general and neutral term without the implication of excess.
Synonyms
- Excessive adjustment
- Overcorrection
- Overreaction (in some contexts)
Antonyms
- Appropriate compensation
- Balanced response
- Adequacy
Related Phrases/Concepts
- Defense mechanism: A broader psychological concept under which overcompensation is often categorized.
- Inferiority complex: A concept often associated with, and theorized to be a cause for, overcompensating behavior.
Noun
- excessive compensation
- (psychiatry) an attempt to overcome a real or imagined defect or unwanted trait by overly exaggerating its opposite