Glossary S
Glossary S
Deutsch: Partnertausch / Español: Intercambio de Parejas / Português: Swing / Français: Échangisme / Italian: Scambismo
Practicing exchange of partners, especially spouses, for sex. Swinger refers to a man, woman, or couple who openly exchanges sexual partners. Some swingers participate in what is called "soft" swinging - typically this includes all activities except actual intercourse, some swingers, have a "monogamous" partnership with another couple, and they play only with that couple, some are what we refer to as "bedpost notchers" who pursue as many different partners as possible. Some are exhibitionistic, they only enjoy having sex with their partner, but want to be watched as they do so, and others are voyeuristic - they want to watch others have sexual contact.
Swinging in the psychology context refers to a lifestyle practice where committed couples consensually engage in sexual activities with other people, either as a couple or individually. This practice is also known as partner swapping or mate swapping and is typically characterized by its consensual and recreational nature.
Deutsch: Symbolisches Denken / Español: Pensamiento simbólico / Português: Pensamento simbólico / Français: Pensée symbolique / Italiano: Pensiero simbolico
Symbolic Thinking in the psychology context refers to the cognitive ability to use symbols—such as words, images, gestures, or objects—to represent ideas, concepts, or things not physically present. It is foundational for language, imagination, abstract thought, and emotional expression.
This capacity emerges early in child development and continues to shape how we understand and communicate complex inner and outer realities throughout life.
Deutsch: Symbolismus / Español: Simbolismo / Português: Simbolismo / Français: Symbolisme / Italiano: Simbolismo
Symbolism in psychology refers to the use of symbols—objects, actions, or events that represent deeper meanings or concepts—to convey ideas, emotions, or psychological states. Symbols often arise from unconscious processes and play a crucial role in areas like psychoanalysis, dream interpretation, and understanding how individuals make sense of their experiences. Symbolism allows complex thoughts, feelings, and desires to be expressed in a more abstract or indirect manner.
Deutsch: Sympathische Aktivierung / Español: Activación simpática / Português: Ativação simpática / Français: Activation sympathique / Italiano: Attivazione simpatica
Sympathetic activation refers to the heightened activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), a critical component of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that regulates involuntary physiological responses. This process plays a pivotal role in the body's "fight-or-flight" response, preparing an organism to react to perceived threats or stressors. While essential for survival, chronic or dysregulated sympathetic activation is linked to various psychological and physiological disorders, including anxiety, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.