Externalization (psychology)
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In Freudian psychology, externalization (or externalisation) is a defense mechanism by which an individual projects their own internal characteristics onto the outside world, particularly onto other people.[1] For example, a patient who is overly argumentative might instead perceive others as argumentative and themselves as blameless.
Like other defense mechanisms, externalization is a protection against anxiety and is, therefore, part of a healthy, normally functioning mind. However, if taken to excess, it can lead to the development of a neurosis.
See also
Notes
- ^ Sandler, Joseph (1988). Projection, identification, projective identification. Karnac Books. ISBN 0-946439-40-0.
References
- Bateson, Gregory (2002) [1978]. Mind and Nature. Cresskill: Hampton Press. ISBN 0-553-13724-7.
- Bergson, Henri (1998) [1911]. Creative Evolution. Arthur Mitchell, trans. NY: Dover. ISBN 0-8191-3553-4.
- Kuchka, H.E (2001). "Method for Theory: A Prelude to Human Ecosystems". Journal of Ecological Anthropology. 5.
- Gumperz, John J.; Levinson, Stephen C. (December 1991). "Rethinking Linguistic Relativity" (PDF). Current Anthropology. 32 (5): 613–623. doi:10.1086/204009.
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