Etymology
Introjection is derived from the Latin word "introjectus," which means "thrown inward."
Meaning
Introjection is a psychological defense mechanism in which an individual unconsciously incorporates the attitudes, values, and behaviors of another person. It is a way of dealing with anxiety and insecurity by taking on the characteristics of someone who is perceived as strong or desirable.
Origin
The concept of introjection was first introduced by the Hungarian psychoanalyst Sándor Ferenczi in 1909. Ferenczi described introjection as a process by which an individual internalizes the characteristics of a loved or admired person. He believed that introjection was a healthy way of coping with anxiety and insecurity, as it allowed individuals to feel connected to others and to gain a sense of identity.
However, later psychoanalysts, such as Sigmund Freud and Melanie Klein, came to view introjection as a more complex and potentially pathological process. Freud believed that introjection was a type of identification, in which an individual unconsciously takes on the characteristics of another person in order to gain their love or approval. Klein, on the other hand, believed that introjection was a way of dealing with aggression and hostility. She argued that individuals who introject the characteristics of others often do so in order to protect themselves from the unconscious desire to harm or destroy those others.
Today, introjection is considered to be a normal part of human development. However, it can become pathological when it prevents individuals from developing their own unique identities or when it leads to self-destructive behaviors.
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