Glossary / Lexicon

Projection refers to a defence mechanism in which one’s unacceptable behaviors or thoughts are attributed to someone else. Projection is when a person is emotionally triggered by someone else’s behavior and is judging them, he/she is are "Projecting" the very quality he/she is judging, on the other person.

In projection, a person don’t own or recognize the quality he/she affected by as a part of himself/herself Moreover, Projection is the unconscious tendency to assume that other people possess the undesirable qualities we fear that we possess; the attribution of one's undesired impulses onto another.

With other words, projection is a psychological defense mechanism in which an individual attributes their own thoughts, feelings, or motivations to someone else. Projection can be used to protect the individual from uncomfortable or unacceptable aspects of themselves by attributing those aspects to someone else.

For example, if someone is angry with their partner, they may accuse their partner of being angry with them, even if their partner is not actually angry. This allows the individual to avoid acknowledging and dealing with their own feelings of anger.

Projection can be a difficult habit to recognize and change, as it often operates outside of an individual's awareness. It can be especially destructive in relationships, as it can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts that are difficult to resolve. Psychologists and other mental health professionals can help individuals identify and work through their projections as part of the therapy process.