In the field of psychology, projection is a psychological defense mechanism where a person unconsciously attributes their own feelings, impulses, or flaws to someone else. Sigmund Freud argued that projection is the mind’s way of deflecting uncomfortable truths about oneself by “projecting” them outward. Often projection is an unconscious experience that shields us from anxiety or guilt, and the traits someone dislikes in themselves are “seen” in others. While projection may temporarily protect us from unwanted emotions and feelings, we need to ask if projection is healthy and if projecting to others actually helps us develop in any meaningful way? Or does projection actually lead to bigger, unintended problems?
Digging deeper with human projection
Dealing with internal struggles can be overwhelming, and we often use defense mechanisms to minimize anxiety so that we can continue to function in healthy ways. Projection is one defense mechanism that may work by means of distraction in the short-run, but projecting all of our thoughts and feelings onto others is not a recipe for long-term life happiness. Instead, it may be more worthwhile to examine where you use projection, self-reflect those inner thoughts rather than attributing them to others, and then make meaningful personal life changes as needed. In order to better understand how often we project our thoughts and feelings to others, check out the following list of examples of projection:
- Anger. A person who is angry at a coworker insists, “You always seem mad at me.”
- Jealousy. Someone who feels insecure in their relationship accuses their partner of flirting, even though they’re the one who’s been tempted.
- Dishonesty. A person who frequently lies claims, “You can’t trust anyone around here—they’re all liars.”
- Competitiveness. An overly competitive athlete says, “That team is just obsessed with winning.”
- Workplace Insecurity. An employee worried about their own poor performance complains that “the boss doesn’t think you’re doing your job right.”
- Laziness. A teenager who doesn’t want to do chores says, “You’re the one who never does anything around the house.”
- Control Issues. A controlling parent says their child is “too bossy” with friends.
- Homosexuality (closeted). Someone struggling with same-sex attraction makes frequent jokes or accusations about others being gay, shifting attention away from their own hidden feelings.
- Fear of Failure. A student who is worried about failing says, “The teacher doesn’t believe in you guys.“
- Gossip. A person who spreads rumors claims, “People are always talking about me behind my back.”
As you can see, projection comes in all shapes and sizes. When you look at the list above, do you see examples that mirror your actions in the past? While it may have temporarily helped protect your ego and ward off anxiety in the moment, do you think facing your true, authentic thoughts and feelings might be a more effective way to better understand yourself and live a more authentic life?
Final thoughts
There are many defense mechanisms we use to avoid anxious life experiences, and projection is a very common one. Like the other defense mechanisms, projection is helpful in the moment, but also postpones exploring a deeper human issue that prompted the defense mechanism in the first place. When we face our truth and authentically grow as a result, we become less reliant on defense mechanisms to eliminate anxiety, and more focused on working on the issues that most trouble us. The next time you assert your thoughts and feelings toward another person, perhaps first try to better understand why you feel the way you do, and if it is better to learn more about yourself rather than deflecting onto others.
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