automatism (psychological concept)

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Scope note
In psychological studies, denotes the dissociation or discrepancy between behavior and the conscious awareness of the behavior. The concept is generally used to describe benign behavior based on familiarity and repetitiveness, but is more often used to describe pathological behaviors that ensue from psychological conflicts between conscious and subconscious desires and result in sensory hallucinations and mild to severe catatonia. It influenced Surrealist theories associated with the power and legitimacy of unconscious expression, free association, and prime creative forces.
automatism
Accepted term: 10-Feb-2025