Which of these defense mechanisms includes seeing your own faults or feelings in another person?

Projection is a psychological concept identified in the 1890s by Sigmund Freud, a neurologist and psychoanalyst. Freud is referred to as the father of modern psychology. It refers to the process of attributing your unwanted urges to another person. Another form is projective identification, which means that not only do you see your unwanted characteristics in someone else, but that person actually takes on those characteristics because of subtle ways that you have prompted them to do so.

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What Does Projection Mean in Psychology?

 Psychological projection may take different forms, such as:

• Believing that someone dislikes you because in fact you do not like them;
• Your parents pressuring you to succeed because they find it difficult to achieve their own goals;
• Believing that your partner may be cheating because you actually want to cheat on them.

Projection Mechanism

What Is Projection As A Defense Mechanism & How Does It Work?

Think of how a movie theater works. There’s a screen in front of you on which you can see a film. However, the film is not coming from the screen itself but rather from a projector, which casts images on the screen. This is the gist of projection as a defense mechanism as well: as a defense mechanism, projection is when someone casts their flaws and feelings onto someone else. This is separate from splitting defense mechanism.

Say you’re a very jealous person. You are always hovering over your spouse, and you’re afraid you’ll lose them. When confronted about this, you may say that your spouse is the jealous one. This is projection. Most of the time in these situations, we are unaware of what we are doing, as the projection is unconscious. In these cases, we believe that our problem belongs to the other person. Other times, projection can be done on purpose. Politicians, celebrities, and others who have power will use it to distract and not admit fault.

Many of us get defensive when we are criticized. We all want to be self-aware, but some of us struggle to remain self-composed when we feel vulnerable. Projection and using other defense mechanisms, like deflection, are ways we may inadvertently react when we feel threatened by criticism. But what exactly is projection? How does it work? And what can you do, not only to stop projecting yourself, but also to defend yourself against someone who is projecting? Let’s dive in!

Why Can’t We Admit We’re Wrong?

To understand projection, you first need to realize why many people have a hard time admitting they are wrong. For some, it may seem silly. Admitting you’re wrong is a sign that you’re honest and willing to learn from your mistakes, while doubling down on your faults or errors makes you seem stubborn and unable to be self-aware. However, in part because of our evolution, it is hard to admit when we are wrong.

Most of us picture ourselves as the hero in a story. We believe that the hero is always good and never wrong, and to be wrong or to admit we have flaws is to be a bad person. However, this is not the case. Think about it: even in a story, a character with no flaws is two-dimensional and boring. Also, being wrong doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you human.

Here are some reasons people may have a hard time admitting they are wrong.

We Are Naturally Defensive

Defensiveness is something that is ingrained in humans. From the time we were in tribes, trying to protect or defend ourselves from other tribes, we have been programmed to defend ourselves.

We Are Prideful

Most of us have pride and want people to look up to us. It may seem like admitting faults can threaten your sense of pride, as well as your reputation. However, you can have pride and still admit you’re flawed without getting defensive. The people we look up to, including parents and celebrities, all struggle with not getting defensive.

We’re Afraid People May Get Mad

Sometimes we fear that in admitting we’re wrong, we’re inviting people to criticize us. This is especially true for public figures. However, if the people around you are upset when you admit you are wrong, they may need to take a look at themselves.

Related to Projecting - Results of Projection

Besides projecting feelings during an argument, a projector may also do other damaging things, including:

• Bullying. There are many reasons someone may bully you, and projection is one of them. Chances are that the bully is insecure and chooses you to torment because they perceive qualities in you that they are uncomfortable with themselves. Their insecurities come out as projection.
• Victim blaming. If a projector victimizes someone, for example by committing a crime against them, they will blame the victim. For example, if a projector steals goods from someone’s home, they will say that it is the fault of the victim because they didn’t have enough security.

How to Deal with Someone Who Is Projecting

If someone is projecting their emotions onto you, what is the best way to handle the situation? First, you should not listen to what the projector is saying.

Should you confront a projector? That depends. If you believe they are projecting their feelings unconsciously and  are open to change, then find a time when they are calm and speak with them about projection. However, if they protest more, it may be a losing battle. You do not want to make yourself vulnerable to being attacked.

How to Stop Yourself from Projecting

Most people project unconsciously, so working on self-awareness is a good first step to tackling this problem.

Next, think about some recent arguments you’ve had, or even try recording one. Look at what you accuse the other person of. Could what you’re saying about them also apply to you? If so, you may be projecting.

By being aware of what you may be projecting, you’re taking the first step toward figuring out how you can deal with your psychological issues. For example, if you’re projecting anger onto someone else, you might look into anger management techniques.

Once you are aware that you’re projecting and why, you can make efforts to stop. Here are some suggestions:

Self-Reflection: Spend time considering why you tend to behave in certain ways when placed in uncomfortable situations. By understanding why you feel a particular way through a nonjudgmental lens, you can take steps to change yourself and stop projecting.

Talk to Others: Have a conversation with someone who is open and understanding—or even better, with someone who has pointed out that you have been projecting. Keep in mind that you will hear things that may make you uncomfortable.

Start Becoming Accountable:According to Walter E. Jacobson MD., projection, at its core, is used to avoid taking responsibility. When you take responsibility for your own flaws, projecting behaviors will likely improve.

BetterHelp Can Help

In addition to the tips provided so far, if you find yourself projecting too much, or if someone significant in your life is projecting, it may help to talk to a counselor. A professional can help you be more mindful and learn how to argue without your emotions flying. When you use an online counselor, you can save travel time and enjoy sessions from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you have an internet connection).

Psychodynamic Therapy Online

Psychodynamic therapy (PDT) is the type of therapy that addresses defense mechanisms, including projection. Research has shown that online PDT (IPDT) is an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD). Findings showed a large treatment effect for clients with SAD after for a 10-week course of IPDT, as compared to clients who were waitlisted but did not receive treatment. Moreover, improvement continued between termination of therapy and follow-up two years later.

The Benefits of Online Therapy

Do You Want To Better Understand Defensiveness?

As discussed above, psychodynamic therapy, which includes exploring defense mechanisms such as projection, can help with symptoms of social anxiety disorder. But when you are feeling anxious, it can be difficult to attend in-person sessions. This is where online therapy comes in. You can access BetterHelp’s platform from the comfort and privacy of your own home. In addition, online therapy offers lower pricing than in-person therapy because online therapists don’t have to pay for costs like renting an office.BetterHelp’s licensed therapists have helped people own their own behavior and communicate more effectively. Read below for some reviews of BetterHelp therapists from people experiencing similar issues.

Counselor Reviews

“Kelly has shown me how to be accountable for my thoughts and how to navigate them in a healthy manner. Though the knowledge was somewhat there she has a way of helping me understand what or why I’m going through what I am. I appreciate all the time we’ve spent together so far and look forward to learning how and being a healthier version of myself through our sessions.”

“Charles has helped me immensely since starting counseling. I have seen my life improve in all aspects as he has helped me through the issues that I have communicating with my love ones.”

Conclusion

By taking an active approach to understanding why we use projection as a defense mechanism, we can take the necessary steps to stop projecting onto other people. Seek help today and learn how to avoid resorting to projection and defense mechanisms.

FAQs About Projection & Defense Mechanisms

Projection Mechanism

What Is An Example Of Using A Projecting Defense Mechanism?

When you use a projecting defense mechanism, it means that you attribute your unwanted feelings, motives, and thoughts to someone else. Defensive projection can appear in different scenarios, including the following:

• If you continuously criticize someone for behaving in the wrong way, you may in fact be  too critical.
• If you interrupt someone because you believe they are talking too much, you may in fact be an over-talker.
• You may believe that someone dislikes you if you do not like that person.
• If someone accuses you of being oversensitive and it doesn’t seem accurate, they may be uncomfortable with their own sensitivity.

What are the 8 Defense Mechanisms in Psychology?

Identified by Sigmund Freud and expanded upon by his daughter, Anna Freud, a defense mechanism is an unconscious mental process by which a person resolves their anxiety about unwanted emotions and urges. Defense mechanisms are normal, and everyone uses them; however, defense mechanisms can be unhealthy if the underlying anxiety is never addressed. Eight common defense mechanisms are: repression, projection, reaction formation, displacement, sublimation, rationalization, regression, and denial. 

• Repression: Repression means that the mind inhibits disturbing or threatening emotions and ideas from becoming conscious. Freud believed that repressed memories appeared through slips of the tongue and dreams.
• Projection: This defense mechanism causes an individual to attribute unacceptable impulses, such as thoughts, motives, and feelings, to another person. For example, you may blame your partner for cheating when you have the unconscious desire to cheat.
• Reaction formation: This defense mechanism involves behaving opposite to your true feelings to keep those feelings hidden to others. For example, you may be gushingly nice to a cousin whom you dislike.Exaggerated behavior may be a sign of reaction formation.
• Displacement: Displacement refers to the transfer of an unwanted impulse to a less threatening target. For example, you might displace anger toward your boss at work to your partner or children, snapping at them for no reason.
• Sublimation: Sublimation asa defense mechanism means that you channel unwanted impulses into constructive and socially acceptable behaviors. For example, you may play football when you are angry or sing when you are unhappy.
• Rationalization: Rationalization refers to the use self-deception to justify behavior that is unacceptable or unwanted. For example, if you are feeling lazy and stay in bed all day, you might attribute that behavior to the fact that it was raining.
• Regression: This is a defense mechanism that occurs when someone is experiencing stress. In a stressful situation, a child might revert to younger behavior, such as a 10-year-old sucking their thumb, or an adult to childlike behavior such as uncontrollable giggling.
• Denial: Denial means refusing to accept reality. For example, someone in denial might refuse to recognize that their smoking habit could lead to lung cancer.

How Do You Defend Against Projection?

Psychological projection can be harmful if it is directed toward you. You can take the following steps to defend against projection:

• Be conscious of situations that may involve psychological projection: This is an important step because it will help you prepare and defend yourself when projection occurs. If someone accuses you of something that does not sound right to you, think about whether they are actually describing something about themselves.
• Handle the situation with understanding: One way to defend against projection is to recognize what other people are going through with respect to their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Try to put yourself in such their shoes and understand that their psychological projections are merely a defense mechanism to push away unwanted impulses.
• Don't be bothered: This may be difficult sometimes, but it's a good thing to do. Learn to handle what others say and not be upset, even when what they say is insulting. You can do this by not responding negatively to others’ remarks. This does not mean you just need to accept criticism that is not justified, but try to keep things in perspective and not lose your temper.
• Maintain a joyful attitude: If your joy is solidly grounded, it will be harder for hurtful projections to penetrate.

What is An Example of Rationalization?

Rationalization refers to the use self-deception to justify behavior that is unacceptable or unwanted. It also refers to making up a logical reason for why something disturbing has happened.Examples of this psychological defense mechanism include:

• In response to not being promoted at your workplace, you state that you wouldn't have wanted more responsibility anyway.
• You may justify spiteful behavior against your partner by claiming that your partner failed to meet their responsibilities.
• You may justify a natural disaster as God's will.

What is Projection According to Freud?

Freud was the first person to describe defense mechanisms. He defined projection as one person attributing their unacceptable impulses, such as thoughts, motives, and feelings, to another person. Like many defense mechanism, the purpose of projection is to avoid the anxiety that comes from having feelings that are unacceptable to oneself. Projected feelings may be jealous, controlling, or angry in nature.

What is a Delusional Projection?

Delusional projection refers to a defense mechanism that involves attributing unacceptable thoughts, emotions, and impulses to another source that is not based in reality. For example, a person may project their anxiety about being unemployed by believing in an underground group that takes jobs from people.

How Can You Tell if Someone is Projecting?

There are a number of ways to tell if someone may be projecting their own urges onto you:

• If someone accuses you of being overreactive when they are clearly upset by something you are saying and you have been calm;
• When someone blames you for cheating on them when you know or suspect that they have been cheating on you;
• When someone holds you responsible for starting an argument even though that person actually started it.

What Is Projection in Narcissism?

Narcissism is a term in psychoanalytic theory that describes an inflated self-image, lack of regard for others, and the excessive need for admiration. Sigmund Freud believed that narcissism existed on a continuum from normal to a disorder, depending on both the developmental phase when and the extent to which it occurred. Narcissists derive their sense of self-worth by how they are perceived by others. Because it is too painful for them to acknowledge their own flaws, they will transfer them onto others. For example, a narcissist may accuse someone else of being vain or lacking empathy.

Is Deflection a Defense Mechanism?

Deflection is a defense mechanism that involves diverting the attention from one’s own negative actions to those of another. Deflection is used to distract from one’s accountability.For example, when it is pointed out that a child broke a glass, they might point to the fact that their sibling spilled a cup of milk.

What is Identification as a Defense Mechanism?

Identification is a defense mechanism used when you take on the behavior of someone else to avoid anxiety. For example, to avoid rejection and be accepted in a new community, you might imitate the attitudes of your new neighbors.Anna Freud described identification with an aggressor, in which a persontakes on the characteristics of someone who is both superior and a threat to them. An example here is a child taking on the traits of someone who bullies them.

What is an Example of Repression?

Repression is a psychological projection that involves the mind preventing troubling thoughts, motives, or memories from becoming conscious. Instances of this psychological defense mechanism may include:

• Someone who was bit by a dog as a child may not remember the bite, but may develop a phobia of dogs.
• Those who experienced childhood abuse may not remember that they were abused, but it will affect their adult relationships.
• Repressed memories may be expressed in dreams or “Freudian slips,” where you accidentally say a word that represents a memory instead of the word you intended to say.

How Do You Deal with People Who Project?

Since projection can get in the way of forming healthy relationships with others, learning how to deal with this defense mechanism can be helpful. Here are some ways you can deal with people who project:

• Be aware of your situation: The first step towards dealing with projection is to recognize it. If someone accuses you of something that does not sound right to you, think about whether they are actually describing something about themselves.
• Do a body assessment: You can sometimes recognize projection by checking the way your body responds to the situation. You may know in your gut that something you are being accused of is not true and something is off. That gut feeling could mean that someone is projecting something of their own onto you.

Is Fantasy A Defense Mechanism?

Fantasy is considered to be one of the psychological defense mechanisms. It involves retreating into the imagination to avoid the pain and frustration of reality. For example, if you are presently struggling at your job, you might imagine becoming a successful executive.

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