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escape theory  

Definition

  • Definition Escape theory refers to the tendency for people to engage in behaviors to avoid an unpleasant psychological reaction. Whereas the common use of the term escape suggests physically removing oneself from a physical location (such as escaping from prison), escape theory is used to describe behaviors that enable a person to flee from negative perceptions of the self. [Source: Encyclopedia of Social Psychology; Escape Theory]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/escape_theory

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