PsychologyAugust 12, 2026

groupthink

GROOP-think

Definition

A psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony or conformity in a group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome.

Etymology

Coined by social psychologist Irving Janis in 1971, the word is a compound blend modeled after George Orwell’s 'doublethink' from his novel '1984', intended to describe a pattern of thought that values group consensus over critical evaluation.

In the news

In the context of understanding BPD, the term describes how internal family dynamics or peer groups might prematurely suppress individual dissent, leading to collective conclusions that exacerbate the emotional distress of the individual.

Light My Fire in the Shadows: The High-Contrast Universe of BPD

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