parataxicadj.
/ˌparəˈtaksɪk/, U.S. /ˌpɛrəˈtæksɪk/ Psychology.
Of, relating to, or designating a mode of interpersonal relationship in which projection of memories, feelings, etc., creates distorted perception or expectation of others. Cf. prototaxic adj., syntaxic adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > psychology > theory of psychoanalysis > libido > sublimation of libido > [adjective] > affecting relationships
parataxic1937
1937 Amer. Jrnl. Sociol. 42 856 If now we consider the parataxic situations in which the alertness of both people concerned is seriously inhibited.., we see literally a play of cross-purposes.
1938 H. S. Sullivan in Psychiatry 1 125/2 A parataxic situation, a much more complicated entity in that two of the four or more persons now concerned, while illusory, are real antagonists to any collaboration of A and Mrs. A. Our Mr. A has become multiplex.
1961 J. A. C. Brown Freud & Post-Freudians ix. 168 By a process of what Sullivan describes as ‘parataxic distortion’ one may attribute to others traits taken from significant people in one's past.
1992 Admin. & Soc. (Nexis) May 61 In the parataxic (preconscious) mode of experience, where separation between self and other is first initiated, distorted thinking prevails.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1937