PsychologyAugust 25, 2026
introjection
IN-troh-JEK-shun
Definition
The psychological process by which an individual unconsciously incorporates the ideas, values, or attitudes of others into their own personality or belief system.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'intro' (into) and 'jacere' (to throw), the term was coined in the early 20th century, notably within psychoanalytic theory to describe how external influences are 'thrown' inside the psyche.
In the news
In this article, the author uses the term to distinguish internal psychological projection from the genuine adoption of a deceased person's beliefs, ultimately dismissing the latter as unlikely.
It’s reassuring, but not surprising, that the dead tend to agree with us.
Read the full article ↗Psychology Today