parataxic distortion
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parataxic distortion
[¦par·ə¦tak·sik di′stȯr·shən] (psychology)
A perceptual or judgmental distortion of interpersonal relations resulting from the observer's need to pattern his responses on previous experiences and thus defend himself against anxiety.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.