Introjection, the opposite of projection, is the process in which a person unconsciously absorbs qualities or aspects of external reality (such as an object, person, character, etc.) into their psyche.[1] Some common examples of this could be a child adopting the same values as their caregiver, or a fan beginning to speak more like their favorite character from a TV show. Psychoanalytical theory suggests that introjection creates a mental representation (ie; an introject) of the external reality. This can be a natural part of development or a type of defense mechanism and it isn't inherently connected to plurality or multiplicity.[2]
Introjects in Multiplicity[]
In systems, introjection can sometimes create system members. This is when a system member is based off of an external figure such as an object, person, or character.[3] In Dissociative Identity Disorder or Other Specified Dissociative Disorder, these system members are commonly called introject alters or copy alters.[4] In the plural community, system members that are introjects may be called fictives when they're based on fictional sources or factives when they're based on real sources. Some members of the plural community may also identify that their soulbonds, walk-ins, and otherkin system members resulted from introjection, but this isn't always the case.[5]
Find a comic on introject alters in DID/OSDD here.
Flag[]
Introject flag by multiplemogai on Tumblr
Multiplemogai created a flag for introjects in traumagenic DID/OSDD systems on April 24 2021[6], using the definition of "an alter based on an outside source". They created it for use by only traumagenic DID/OSDD systems, as they do not believe that they and systems like them have anything in common with non-disordered plurals[7]. The meanings of the stripes are as follows:
- Orange represents the source that the introject comes from, regardless of whether it is fictional, factual or something else
- Grey represents the process of introjecting the source by splitting, which sometimes includes the creation of pseudomemories.
- Off-white represents identity and the process of finding their new identity and fitting into their new life.
- Light green represents individuality and growing past their introjected identity
- Dark green represents connection to source, regardless of how strong it is, and acknowledges that some introjects may even retain a heavy connection to their source after integrating with other alter(s).
References[]
- ↑ https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/introjection
- ↑ https://dictionary.apa.org/introjection
- ↑ https://did-research.org/did/alters/functions
- ↑ http://traumadissociation.com/alters#introject
- ↑ http://astraeasweb.net/plural/glossary.html#introject
- ↑ Introject flag by multiplemogai on Tumblr
- ↑ FAQ by multiplemogai