In this example, your partner is projecting their jealousy onto you.
Projection is a bang out of defense mechanism or means of coping.
People may use defense mechanisms and unconscious mental strategies to cope with stressful or anxiety-provoking thoughts and experiences.
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Evidence from the other person’s words or actions may or may not support these emotional responses.
Some research theorizes that projection could develop from physical and verbal expressions of denial in early childhood.
Projection is often viewed as a coping strategy that people engage in when experiencing intense and complex emotions.
It can also be an unconscious effort to preserve our self-esteem or sense of self.
Types of Projection
There are different types of projection.
Projecting Examples
Projecting can happen in many different situations.
For example:
Why Do People Project?
Instead of addressing it head-on, we may cope by projecting feelings onto others.
Trauma is one reason why people may project.
A person who has experienced a stressful or traumatic event may struggle tocope with the aftermathof that situation.
As a result, they are left feeling fearful or powerless.
Projection may allow a person to separate themselves from the trauma.
However, this may lead them to project intense emotions onto others.
There is a link betweennarcissismand projection.
Summary
Projection happens when we unconsciously attribute our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to other people.
Many of us engage in projection to cope with difficult emotions or situations.
If left unchecked, projection can damage our sense of self and relationships.
If you think you might be projecting, try making yourself more open to feedback.
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