Catharsis
Catharsis
Catharsis (pronunciation: /kəˈθɑːrsɪs/) is a term derived from the Greek word κάθαρσις (katharsis), which translates to "purification" or "cleansing".
Etymology
The term "catharsis" has its roots in ancient Greek literature and philosophy. It was first used by Aristotle in his work Poetics to describe the emotional release and sense of purification experienced by the audience at the end of a tragic drama. The word itself is derived from the Greek verb kathairein, which means "to cleanse" or "to purify".
Definition
In the field of psychology, catharsis refers to the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. It is often associated with the therapeutic techniques developed by Sigmund Freud and his followers, who believed that repressed emotions could be effectively dealt with by bringing them to conscious awareness.
Related Terms
- Psychoanalysis: A therapeutic approach developed by Sigmund Freud that seeks to bring repressed fears and conflicts into the conscious mind by techniques such as dream interpretation and free association.
- Emotional Release: The process of letting go of built-up, pent-up emotions. It is often achieved through activities such as crying, screaming, laughing, or other forms of emotional release.
- Repression: A psychological defense mechanism in which distressing thoughts, memories, or impulses that may give rise to anxiety are pushed into the unconscious mind.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Catharsis
- Wikipedia's article - Catharsis
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