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Created page with 'File:lighterstill.jpgright|frame ==Origin== Latin. distracti{o}n-em, n. of action f. distrah{e}re to pull asunder *[http://en.wikipedia.org/...'
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==Origin==
[[Latin]]. distracti{o}n-em, n. of [[action]] f. distrah{e}re to pull asunder
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/15th_century 15 Century]
==Definitions==
*1: the act of distracting or the [[state]] of being distracted; especially : [[mental]] [[confusion]] <driven to distraction>
*2: something that distracts; especially : amusement <a harmless distraction>
==Description==
'''Distraction''' is the diversion of [[attention]] of an [[individual]] or [[group]] from the chosen object of [[attention]] onto the [[source]] of distraction. Distraction is [[caused]] by one of the following: lack of [[ability]] to pay [[attention]]; lack of interest in the object of attention; greater interest in something other than the object of attention; or the great [[intensity]], novelty or attractiveness of something other than the object of attention. Distractions come from both external sources ([[physical]] [[stimuli]] through the five [[senses]]), or internal sources ([[thought]], [[emotion]], fantasies, physical urges). Divided attention, as in multitasking, could also be considered as distraction in situations requiring full attention on a single object (e.g. sports, [[academic]] tests, [[performance]]).

Distraction is a major [[cause]] of [[procrastination]], though it is possible to be [[diligent]] and still diverted from what is valuable. According to [[philosopher]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damon_Young Damon Young], distraction is chiefly an inability to identify, attend to or [[attain]] what is valuable, even when we are hard-working or [[content]].

In works of [[fiction]], distraction is often used as a source of [[humor|comedy]], whether the amusement comes from the gullibility of those distracted or the strangeness of whatever is utilized to create the distraction.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distraction]

[[Category: Psychology]]