In psychoanalysis, the mental process directly related to the learned and acquired functions of the ego and characteristic of conscious and preconscious mental activities; marked by logical thinking and by the tendency to delay gratification by regulation of the discharge of instinctual demands. Also known as: thinking. Compare with: primary process.
SECONDARY PROCESS: "The ego is subject to applications of secondary process."
Cite this page: N., Sam M.S., "SECONDARY PROCESS," in PsychologyDictionary.org, April 28, 2013, https://psychologydictionary.org/secondary-process/ (accessed March 23, 2023).
