A psychological defense mechanism where a person unconsciously adopts the attitudes, behaviors, or characteristics of another person, especially authority figures. Unlike healthy identification, introjection involves taking in others' qualities without conscious choice or integration.
From Latin 'intro-' (inward) and 'jacere' (to throw), literally meaning 'to throw inward.' Coined by psychoanalyst Sandor Ferenczi in the early 1900s to describe how people defensively incorporate external objects or people into their psyche to manage anxiety or loss.
Introjection is like swallowing someone whole psychologically - you take in their voice, their values, their way of being, but it sits like an undigested lump in your psyche. Unlike healthy learning from role models, introjected material often conflicts with your authentic self, creating internal tension and confusion about who you really are.
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