Over-valued ideas

An over-valued idea is one which may or may not be plausible but which is affectively loaded, which preoccupies an individual and which dominates his personality. It is not really a delusion, in that it is in line with the individual's life experience and personality; nor is it an obsession, because the individual himself thinks of it as important and desirable. The idea itself may be perfectly logical, or at least held in common with other people, but it dominates so that the individual defends the belief and tries to spread it, may even be prepared to die for it. The emotional intensity with which the idea is charged indicate that it is not based on rational analysis. The vigour with which an over-valued idea is held may be understood in terms of cognitive dissonance, the individual attempting to reduce psychological tension by gaining social acceptance for his idea.