introject
Adopt beliefs inwardly
To introject is to unconsciously absorb external attitudes, beliefs, or characteristics and incorporate them as part of oneself.
The term comes from psychoanalysis, where it describes how children internalize parental values or how people take in criticism until it becomes their own inner voice.
An introject is something absorbed this way: Her mother's perfectionism became an introject she couldn't shake.
The process contrasts with projection, where internal feelings are attributed outward to others.
Absorbing ideas as one's own
- incorporationForming a legal entity
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- assimilationAbsorbing into a whole
- psychoanalysisTreatment via unconscious exploration
superego · ego · identification · inner voice · self-criticism · inner critic · Freud · unconscious
Harsh internal self-judgment
- toxic shameDeep belief one is defective
- self-sabotageUndermining your own goals
- core beliefCentral guiding conviction
- schemaOrganized representational structure
complex PTSD · reparenting · healing · survivor · caregiver · neglect · criticism · perfectionism
Banishment from homeland
- protectorOne who safeguards others
- managerOne who directs others
- firefighterEmergency blaze responder
- dissociationMental separation from surroundings
Schwartz · unburdening · multiplicity · dialogue · integration · healing · trauma therapy · gestalt
internalization
Absorbing ideas as one's own
- incorporationForming a legal entity
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- assimilationAbsorbing into a whole
psychoanalysis · superego · ego · identification · inner voice · self-criticism · inner critic · Freud · unconscious · defense mechanism
inner critic
Harsh internal self-judgment
- toxic shameDeep belief one is defective
- self-sabotageUndermining your own goals
- core beliefCentral guiding conviction
schema · complex PTSD · reparenting · healing · survivor · caregiver · neglect · criticism · perfectionism · self-worth
exile
Banishment from homeland
- protectorOne who safeguards others
- managerOne who directs others
- firefighterEmergency blaze responder
dissociation · Schwartz · unburdening · multiplicity · dialogue · integration · healing · trauma therapy · gestalt · empty chair
introjectproject
Planned, effortful task
externalize · projection · displace · expel · disown