Dynamics of

Projection . and . Introjection

I illustrate the manner in which particular emotions sustain the loop of projection and introjection. The loop functions at the unconscious level of mind, coloured by subconscious preferences.

The loop of projection and introjection can operate in two different modes, depending on whether narcissism or jealousy is currently dominant. The key to understanding these ways is that pride and narcissism work in tandem when I am focused on being an individual, and jealousy and guilt work together when I am being socially-centred. [¹]

When my sense of individuality is dominant I use pride to generate projection of desire and attitude and image, and narcissism for introjection of emotion and attitude and image. So as an individual I centre on pride and use this as the base of my projections.

However, when I am socially-centred I use jealousy to initiate introjection, and guilt for projection.

When I project or introject an image it is usually more in terms of the manner of handling emotional issues, character traits, bearing and poise rather than in visual signs.

The two modes of projection and introjection are:

Mode A

When individuality is dominant in me then I admire idealists (since I am one myself) and desire compatible friends, people who can handle emotion in the manner that I do:

1. First I project my image onto an acceptable person, thereby creating a subconscious montage (the combination of my image and the image of the other person) – this action arises from pride.

2. Then I introject the montage – this action arises from narcissism.

Mode B

When a social focus is dominant in me then I desire role models or partners, people with bearing and poise that I would like to emulate:

3. First I introject the image of a person who is a role model – this action arises from jealousy.

4. Then I project the montage onto other people that I admire or would like to have as a partner – this action arises from guilt.

There is a common variation on mode B. This functions when sexual transference is currently influencing the person. In this sexual variation, I find pleasure in the company of women who resemble, in some ways, my mother.

Mode C

This mode operates when jealousy and aspects of bonding are dominant:

5. First I introject mother’s image and blend it with my ideals of feminine beauty, to create a subconscious montage – this action arises from jealousy.

6. Then I project that montage onto suitable women of comparable age, in order to get pleasure from the feminine sexuality and character of others – this action arises from guilt.

These ‘positive’ patterns illustrate how I relate to compatible friends and associates. ‘Negative’ patterns are formed in similar ways when I dislike a person.

What I suggest by these patterns of projection and introjection is that usually a person never sees other people as they really are, but only as pegs on which to hang his own particular psychological needs.

The number in brackets at the end of the reference takes you back to the paragraph that featured it.

[¹]. My definitions, descriptions, and analysis of emotions are given in the three articles on Emotion. See home page. [1]

Copyright © 2003 Ian Heath
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Ian Heath
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