Ambivalence
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This 1930s encyclopedia entry defines ambivalence as the psychological state where an individual experiences polar opposite emotions simultaneously. It identifies this condition as a characteristic symptom of schizophrenic and schizoid mental states, while noting its presence in milder forms within normal psychological functioning.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
AMBIVALENCE (from Latin ambo—both and valentia—strength), ambitendency, the property of certain experiences to be colored simultaneously by polar opposite affects. Ambivalence is a symptom of schizophrenic and schizoid mental states, which is also present in less pronounced forms in normal affectivity.
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Cite this page
“Ambivalence.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/ambivalence/