Projection
Definition
Projection is a psychological defense mechanism where individuals attribute characteristics they find unacceptable in themselves to another person.
Analogy
Imagine projection like watching a movie. The projector (you) casts images (your thoughts/feelings) onto the screen (another person). Instead of dealing with these images inside yourself, you "project" them onto someone else.
Related terms
Displacement: A psychological defense mechanism where negative feelings are transferred from the original source of the emotion to a less threatening person or object.
Introjection: A process where an individual unconsciously incorporates ideas or attitudes of others into their own personality traits and belief system.
Transference: In psychoanalysis, this term refers to redirection of feelings for one person, especially those unconsciously retained from childhood, onto another person.
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