Externalization (psychology)
Psychoanalysis
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.
Narrative therapy
Michael White states that the problem of the client is externalized, to alter the client's point of view.[2]
See also
Notes
- Sandler, Joseph (1988). Projection, identification, projective identification. Karnac Books. ISBN 0-946439-40-0.
- Gladding, Samuel (2018). Family Therapy: History, Theory, and Practice (7 ed.). Pearson. p. 347.
In externalization, the problem is the problem. As such, it becomes objective and can be addressed in unique ways (White, 1991). Externalization separates the person from the problem and permits the problem to be viewed from a variety of perspectives and contexts.
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.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.