Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

parataxic distortion

Psychological term

/ˌpærəˈtæksɪk dɪsˈtɔːrʃən/

Definition

Parataxic distortion is a psychological phenomenon where someone misinterprets or misunderstands stimuli due to personal biases or emotional states.

Examples

When Jane reacted strongly to her friend’s criticism, it was a case of parataxic distortion, as she projected her insecurities onto the comment.
In therapy, understanding parataxic distortion can help clients see how their past influences their present relationships.

Meaning

It refers to a distortion in perception, often affecting social interactions, where the individual places personal feelings and experiences onto others’ actions or intentions.