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Splitting: Difference between revisions
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Splitting also arises in groups, when members of the in-group are seen to have mostly positive attributes, whereas members of out-groups are seen to have mostly negative attributes - a phenomenon that contributes to group think and, indeed, inflexible attitudes of xenophobia. This is intense or irrational dislike or fear of people that we consider are strangers or unfamiliar to us. <ref>[https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201203/self-deception-ii-splitting Splitting]</ref> | Splitting also arises in groups, when members of the in-group are seen to have mostly positive attributes, whereas members of out-groups are seen to have mostly negative attributes - a phenomenon that contributes to group think and, indeed, inflexible attitudes of xenophobia. This is intense or irrational dislike or fear of people that we consider are strangers or unfamiliar to us. <ref>[https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201203/self-deception-ii-splitting Splitting]</ref> | ||
==Splitting in Relationships== | |||
Splitting creates instability in relationships because one person can be viewed as either personified virtue or personified vice at different times, depending on whether they gratify the subject's needs or frustrate them. This, along with similar oscillations in the experience and appraisal of the self, leads to chaotic and unstable relationship patterns, identity diffusion, and mood swings. The therapeutic process can be greatly impeded by these oscillations, because the therapist too can come to be seen as all good or all bad. To attempt to overcome the negative effects on treatment outcome, constant interpretations by the therapist are needed. | |||
Splitting contributes to unstable relationships and intense emotional experiences. Splitting is not uncommon during adolescence, but is regarded as transient. Splitting has been noted especially with persons diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Treatment strategies have been developed for individuals and groups based on dialectical behavior therapy, and for couples. There are also self-help books on related topics such as mindfulness and emotional regulation that have been helpful for individuals who struggle with the consequences of splitting.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splitting_(psychology) Splitting]</ref> | |||
==Narcissistic personality disorder== | |||
People matching the diagnostic criteria for [[Narcissism|narcissistic personality disorder]] also use splitting as a central [[Ego Defense Mechanism]]. Most often the narcissist does this as an attempt to stabilize their sense of self positivity in order to preserve their [[Self-Esteem]], by perceiving themselves as purely upright or admirable and others who do not conform to their will or values as purely wicked or contemptible. Given "the narcissist's perverse sense of entitlement and [[Splitting]] ... he or she can be equally geared, psychologically and practically, towards the promotion of projects simultaneously, promoting the demise of a certain collectively beneficial project. | |||
The cognitive habit of splitting also implies the use of other related [[Ego Defense Mechanism]]s, namely idealization and devaluation, which are preventative attitudes or reactions to narcissistic rage and narcissistic injury. | |||
==Triangulation== | ==Triangulation== | ||