Editing Externalization (psychology) (section)

==Psychoanalysis==
{{Main|Psychoanalysis}}

In [[Freud]]ian psychology, externalization ([[American and British English spelling differences#-ise.2C -ize .28-isation.2C -ization.29|or]] '''externalisation''') is a [[defence mechanism|defense mechanism]] by which an individual [[psychological projection|projects]] their own internal characteristics onto the outside world, particularly onto other people.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Projection, identification, projective identification |first=Joseph |last=Sandler|publisher= Karnac Books|year= 1988|isbn=0-946439-40-0}}</ref> For example, a patient who is overly argumentative might instead perceive others as argumentative and themselves as [[blame shifting|blameless]].

Initially, externalization can be traced back to [[Psychological projection|projection]] theory. In the early stages of theoretical development, [[Sigmund Freud]] did not systematically introduce the term "externalization" as a distinct phrase from projection, but rather generally regarded the definitions of the two as being consistent. Instead, it was established through a series of subsequent studies based on his projection theory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Freud |first=Sigmund |date=1971 |title=The neuro-psychoses of defence (1894) |url=https://doi.org/10.1037/e417472005-087 |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=PsycEXTRA Dataset}}</ref> Freud’s interpretation of this mechanism is vividly illustrated in the famous case of [[Daniel Paul Schreber]], whose delusional experiences involved projecting inner anxiety into divine persecution, leading to somatic symptoms—a process that closely supports Freud’s description of projection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Freud |first=Sigmund |date=1971 |title=Psycho-analytic notes on an autobiographical account of a case of paranoia (dementia paranoides) (1911). Postscript |url=https://doi.org/10.1037/e417472005-282 |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=PsycEXTRA Dataset}}</ref>

After Freud generally introduced the concept of externalization, it attracted significant attention from subsequent psychoanalysts. In the mid-20th century, psychologist '''Melanie Klein''' conducted a series of experiments to explore the characteristics of this concept, providing a more detailed and specific interpretation that deepened the understanding of the dynamic relationship between internalization and externalization. First, through studying how infants use internalization and projection to cope with anxiety, she introduced the concepts of "paranoid-schizoid position" and "depressive position." The former emphasizes that infants follow a consistent pattern when externalizing and projecting emotions, thus simplifying their feelings into two "good" and "bad" objects, and then externalize these feelings to the world. The latter represents a deeper stage in which children begin to recognize and integrate these split parts of the self, understanding that both good and bad objects can coexist within the self, thus forming a more complete sense of self-identity.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Klein |first=Melanie |date=1933-10-01 |title=The Psycho-Analysis of Children |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-954X.1933.tb01887.x |journal=The Sociological Review |language=EN |volume=a25 |issue=3 |pages=296–298 |doi=10.1111/j.1467-954X.1933.tb01887.x |issn=0038-0261}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Citation |last=Klein |first=Melanie |title=Notes On Some Schizoid Mechanisms 1 |date=2018-05-08 |work=Developments in Psychoanalysis |pages=292–320 |url=https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429473661-9 |access-date=2025-05-05 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-429-47366-1}}</ref> Additionally, Klein introduced the important theory of “projective identification”, which highlights that when individuals externalize their emotions and feelings, they not only perceive the person being projected onto as sharing the same emotions but also unconsciously attempt to force others to believe and manifest those feelings.<ref name=":0" /> Severe form of externalization is considered to be a possible factor in the process of inducing schizophrenia.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Meissner |first=W. W. |date=1981-01-01 |title=The Schizophrenic and the Paranoid Process |url=https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/7/4/611/1893214 |journal=Schizophrenia Bulletin |volume=7 |issue=4 |pages=611–631 |doi=10.1093/schbul/7.4.611 |issn=0586-7614}}</ref>

Like other defense mechanisms, externalization can be 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]]. To illustrate Klein’s stronger version of externalization: a person filled with resentment toward life might externalize this negativity through specific behaviors, ultimately causing those around them to adopt a similarly pessimistic worldview—thereby reinforcing and reshaping the emotional climate.

From a psychoanalytic perspective, the appearing of externalization follows a structured process. First, individuals experience discomfort or distress triggered by an external factor. When this internal unease persists, they begin attributing it to external sources. Subconsciously, they assume others must feel the same way as a means of emotional reassurance. Eventually, through behavioral interactions, these attributions are reinforced and realized, completing the process of emotional and cognitive externalization.