Definition
A concept in psychology referring to the part of an adult's psyche that retains childhood emotional needs, vulnerabilities, and responses; often accessed in therapy to understand root causes of adult behavior and emotional patterns. The idea is that reconnecting with and nurturing this inner child can facilitate emotional healing.
Example Usage
Her therapist encouraged her to nurture her inner child by doing things that brought her joy as a kid, like painting and spending time outdoors.
Origin
Developed in the 1970s by transactional analysis (Eric Berne) and later popularized in the 1980s-90s by self-help authors like John Bradshaw.
Fun Fact
The inner child concept became so mainstream that it's now referenced in countless self-help books, memes, and therapy practices, though some psychologists debate its scientific validity.
Related Terms
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