824 Glossary of Technical Terms
intersex condition A condition in which individuals have conflicting or ambiguous bi-
ological indicators of sex.
intimacy Depth and duration of connection with others; desire and capacity for close-
ness; mutuality of regard reflected in interpersonal behavior.
intimacy avoidance Avoidance of close or romantic relationships, interpersonal attach-
ments, and intimate sexual relationships. Intimacy avoidance is a facet of the broad
personality trait domain D ETACHMENT .
irresponsibility Disregard for—and failure to honor— financial and other obligations or
commitments; lack of respect for—and lack of follow-through on—agreements and
promises; carelessness with others’ property. Irresponsibility is a facet of the broad per-
sonality trait domain D ISINHIBITION .
language pragmatics The understanding and use of language in a given context. For
example, the warning “Watch your hands” when issued to a child who is dirty is in-
tended not only to prompt the child to look at his or her hands bu t also to communicate
the admonition “Don’t get anything dirty.”
lethargy A state of decreased mental activity, characterized by sluggishness, drowsi-
ness, inactivity, and reduced alertness.
macropsia The visual perception that objects are larger than they actually are. Compare
with MICROPSIA .
magical thinking The erroneous belief that one’s thoug hts, words, or actions will cause
or prevent a specific outcome in some way that defies commonly understood laws of
cause and effect. Magical thinking may be  a part of normal child development.
mania A mental state of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and persistently in-
creased level of activity or energy. See also  HYPOMANIA .