Overview & Description:

Projection is a psychological defense mechanism proposed by Anna Freud in which individuals attribute characteristics they find unacceptable in themselves to another person.

Example:

A person who is rude may consistently accuse other people of being rude.

Implications:

Understanding projection can help clinicians and psychologists in psychotherapy to determine the underlying issues that patients are not ready to confront.

References:

• Freud, A. (1936). The ego and the mechanisms of defense. London: Hogarth Press and Institute of Psycho-Analysis.