APA Dictionary of Psychology

a cause that is removed from its effect in time or space but is nevertheless the ultimate or overriding cause. In a causal chain, it may be considered to be the precipitating event without which the chain would not have begun (the original cause). For example, the proximate cause of Smith’s aggression may be a trivial snub, but the remote cause may be Smith’s early childhood experiences. See also causal latency; delayed effect.