INFANTILISM Meaning and
Definition
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Infantilism refers to a psychological and behavioral disorder characterized by an persistent and excessive desire to emulate or revert to childish behavior, often beyond what is considered developmentally appropriate for an individual's age. This condition manifests in adults who engage in actions, thoughts, or fantasies typically associated with infancy or early childhood.
Individuals with infantilism may display behaviors such as wearing diapers, using pacifiers, consuming baby food, or engaging in baby talk. This abnormal fixation on childlike activities and objects may serve as a way to seek comfort, escape from responsibilities, or fulfill an emotional need. While infantilism may involve certain paraphilic elements, it is distinct from pedophilic disorders as it primarily focuses on the desire to be a child oneself, rather than engaging in relationships with actual children.
Infantilism can be viewed as a form of coping mechanism, as individuals may have unresolved childhood issues or difficulties transitioning to adult responsibilities and expectations. However, it is important to note that not all cases of infantilism are linked to past trauma or psychological distress; some individuals simply find comfort in regressing to a childlike state.
While this behavior is generally not considered harmful unless it interferes with an individual's daily functioning, relationships, or poses significant risks, seeking therapeutic intervention or support groups can aid in understanding and managing this condition.
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A state marked by extremely slow development of mind and body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INFANTILISM
- unfantilism
- jnfantilism
- knfantilism
- onfantilism
- 9nfantilism
- 8nfantilism
- ibfantilism
- imfantilism
- ijfantilism
- ihfantilism
- indantilism
- incantilism
- invantilism
- ingantilism
- intantilism
- inrantilism
- infzntilism
- infsntilism
- infwntilism
Etymology of INFANTILISM
The word "infantilism" originates from the combination of two Latin roots: "infans" meaning "infant" and the suffix "-ism" denoting a condition or state. "Infans" is derived from the Latin words "in-" (not) and "fari" (speak), indicating someone who is not able to speak yet, namely an infant. Thus, the term "infantilism" refers to a condition or behavior resembling that of an infant, often associated with immaturity and dependence.
Similar spelling words for INFANTILISM
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