In this video, we're going to talk about the phenomenon called projection. Projection is a defense mechanism used to deal with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. We all have times when we project our own insecurities onto other people. Sometimes, this happens unconsciously, and we don't even realize it. In this video, we're going to explore the different ways in which projection can occur, and how you can overcome it. By understanding projection, you'll be able to stop falling victim to it and start living your life to the fullest!
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00:00 Psychologist Carl Jung said,
00:02 "The most dangerous psychological mistake
00:04 is the projection of the shadow onto others.
00:07 This is the root of almost all conflicts."
00:10 According to Psych Central,
00:11 projection happens when someone places their own beliefs
00:13 or emotions onto someone else.
00:16 It often happens unconsciously,
00:17 and sometimes people project
00:19 their own insecurities onto others.
00:21 When someone projects,
00:22 you might internalize their hurtful comments
00:24 and believe them to be true.
00:26 But if you can easily recognize when someone is projecting,
00:29 it can help you become more resilient
00:31 and take their negative comments less personally.
00:34 Let's talk about three signs
00:36 someone is projecting their insecurities onto you.
00:39 Let's go.
00:40 Repression.
00:42 Science has had a huge impact
00:43 in revealing the significant role
00:45 repression plays in projection.
00:47 In 1997, Leonard Newman and colleagues conducted a study
00:51 where they asked people which negative traits
00:53 they found most threatening,
00:55 then observed how participants reacted to these traits
00:57 in themselves and others.
00:59 They found that people who repressed their emotions
01:01 were more likely to deny
01:03 having the threatening trait themselves,
01:05 but they were quick to say someone else had the trait.
01:07 Repressors also avoided talking about the traits
01:10 they found most threatening.
01:12 Interesting.
01:13 So how can you tell whether someone
01:14 is raising a legitimate concern
01:16 or projecting a repressed insecurity onto you?
01:19 The next time you think someone might be projecting,
01:21 ask yourself, do they have this trait themselves
01:24 and try hard to deny or repress it?
01:27 Have they talked about how much they hate this trait before
01:30 or have a strong reaction to it?
01:32 If you answered yes, this might be a projection
01:34 rather than a legitimate concern.
01:36 Reaction.
01:37 Have you ever had a crush on someone
01:39 and didn't want anyone to know?
01:40 If anyone ever asked you if you had a crush on the person,
01:43 what do you do?
01:44 Do you overreact?
01:46 Do you pretend this person is so annoying and disgusting
01:48 that you couldn't possibly like them?
01:51 Well, projection kind of works the same way.
01:54 According to national certified counselor, Tanya Peterson,
01:57 overreaction is a major sign of projection.
02:00 If someone is projecting their insecurities onto you,
02:02 you might notice that they get extremely angry
02:04 or upset with you even when there's no conflict
02:08 and you don't understand why.
02:10 Like all psychological defense mechanisms,
02:12 projection is a response to uncomfortable emotions.
02:16 These feelings can cause someone to blow up at something
02:19 that might seem minor to you.
02:21 If someone has an emotional reaction
02:22 that is disproportionate to the situation,
02:25 they may be projecting this insecurity onto you.
02:29 It may also be a good idea to remove yourself
02:31 from the situation too.
02:33 The blame game.
02:35 Imagine your partner accuses you of cheating
02:37 even though they have no evidence
02:39 and you've never even thought of being unfaithful to them.
02:43 Why would they do this?
02:45 Psychology Today states that this is a common example
02:47 of projection.
02:49 In romantic relationships,
02:50 we might falsely blame our partner for cheating
02:52 when we have the desire to cheat ourselves.
02:55 According to my therapist,
02:57 people often project blame onto others
02:59 in order to feel better about their own problems.
03:01 Have you ever been in a situation
03:03 where someone starts blaming you out of nowhere
03:05 for something that you didn't do?
03:08 This could be a sign
03:09 that they're projecting an insecurity onto you.
03:11 When you realize that someone is projecting,
03:13 you recognize that what they're saying
03:15 has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.
03:18 Knowing this can help these outbursts sting a bit less
03:21 and help you navigate this type of interaction.
03:24 Now we wanna hear from you, Psych2Goers.
03:26 Has anyone ever projected onto you?
03:28 Be honest.
03:29 Have you projected onto someone else before?
03:32 We hope that after watching this video,
03:34 you'll be able to identify the signs
03:36 that someone is projecting their insecurities onto you.
03:39 Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
03:41 And don't forget to like and subscribe.
03:43 Until next time.
03:44 (gentle music)
03:47 (gentle music)