What is introjection in psychology and examples

Don't you know what introjection is? Introjection is a term used in psychology to describe the unconscious adoption of ideas or attitudes from others. In fact, it is a more common process than is believed, since it refers to the assumption of external behaviors or beliefs, but without understanding why we have assumed them.

In addition, introjection turns out to be a defense mechanism that is adopted unconsciously and that can end up causing us to ignore the reality around us. In this Psychology-Online article you will find what is introjection in psychology and some examples that can be used to identify how this process occurs.

Index

1. What is introjection in psychology
2. How to do an introjection in psychology
3. Examples of introjection in psychology
4. Conclusions about introjection

The concept of introjection was coined by Sigmund Freud from his research work in the field of psychoanalysis.

Introjection in psychology is the process by which

For its part, the American Psychological Association (APA)^[1] defines introjection as a process by which an individual "absorbs" the qualities of external elements and incorporates them into his psyche in the form of mental representations or introjects.

Some main characteristics of introjection would be the following:

• The term introjection has its roots in the psychoanalytic theory, in which it is opposed to projection.
• Introjection is a process that can reduce the individual's ability to express feelings.
• Introjection is part of people's value schemes, as in the case of learning transmitted by parents to their children.
• Introjects can be used as a defense mechanism before situations that generate anxiety, since it allows people to justify their defects or deficiencies.

In any case, introjection is about the internalization of traits that are acquired from the environment and that are accepted as truths, without questioning or consciously criticizing them.

How do introjects arise? The process of introjection starts from the first years of life. It begins with the internalization of ideas and feelings from the environment, particularly from another very close person. such as, for example, the mother, the father, the caregivers, the friends, the teachers, among others. others.

It is normal that in introjection all the ideas, emotions and feelings that are taken from their role models are assumed as true. In fact, over time it will be difficult for the individual to discernif those ideas are own or acquired by that person who passed it on in the past.

How to identify introjects

Once introjection is part of mental schemes, how to identify introjects? This it is a difficult task, since this implies that the person is able to discern their ideas from those of others. For this reason, introjects are difficult to modify, since it has been an emotionally significant experience and that the person harbors unconsciously.

In addition, those who acquire the introjects feel that modifying that thought or belief would be a betrayal of the person who instilled it in them.

There are many examples of introjection, which are unconsciously put into practice on a regular basis. Now, let's see some of them:

• Introjection Example 1: when a father instills in his children the idea that: "children do not cry". This makes the child take that premise as his own and assimilates it as part of his world and his reality.
• Introjection Example 2: If someone you admire tells you that he likes hiking and you consider it even though you have never been interested, that would be introjection. In this case, you might even put their opinion above your own feelings about it, automatically assuming that since it was someone you admire who introduced you to the idea, it must be correct.
• Introjection Example 3: When parents tell girls from an early age: “a woman must have a man by her side to be happy”, an external idea is assimilated as an irrefutable truth.
• Introjection Example 4: when a person grows up or develops in an environment in which he frequently hears: “you can't trust anyone”. Obviously, this introject will hinder the ability to establish interpersonal relationships based on trust.

Introjection is an unconscious process through which the individual assimilates behaviors and ideasfrom other persons with which he identifies and that, in reality, is something completely different from that individual.

Often, these thoughts and beliefs are not consistent with the subject's personality, but are internalized without question. Also, while introjection can be helpful in overcoming negative feelings, it can also cause problems if you are unaware of what is happening to you.

Therefore, you need to review and question your own beliefs to be able to get to know each other thoroughly and choose freely which are the ideas and attitudes with which we really should stay to enhance our well-being.

If you have found this post on introjection useful, we recommend other articles related to this topic. Is about How beliefs are formed and Exercises to change limiting beliefs.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is introjection in psychology and examples, we recommend that you enter our category of Personal growth and self-help.

1. American Psychological Association official website: https://dictionary.apa.org/introjection

• Abraham, N. (2005). The crime of introjection. In: N. Abraham and M. Torok, The Crust and the Core (pp. 115-122). Buenos Aires: Amorrortu.
• Casullo, A. (2019). Introjection and/or incorporation Exploring the narcissistic links between generations. Journal of the Argentine Society of Psychoanalysis. Number 23.