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Splitting: Difference between revisions
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[[Splitting]] is a very common [[Ego Defense Mechanism]]. Splitting (also called black and white thinking or all-or-nothing thinking) is the failure in a person's thinking to bring together the dichotomy of both positive and negative qualities of the self and others into a cohesive, realistic whole. It can be defined as the division or polarization of beliefs, actions, objects, or persons into good and bad by focusing selectively on their positive or negative attributes. Splitting diffuses the anxiety that arises from our inability to grasp the nuances and complexities of a given situation or state of affairs by simplifying and schematizing the situation and thereby making it easier to think about. It also reinforces our sense of self as good and virtuous by effectively demonizing all those who do not share in our same opinions and values. | [[Splitting]] is a very common [[Ego Defense Mechanism]]. Splitting (also called black and white thinking or all-or-nothing thinking) is the failure in a person's thinking to bring together the dichotomy of both positive and negative qualities of the self and others into a cohesive, realistic whole. | ||
Many times splitting occurs when a person has reached their threshold in the inner pressure to change their beliefs or perceptions, that would necessitate a major life style change, and they are unwilling to take the steps that change of perception would require of them. So they create a false perception or false narrative, or self justification in order to continue with the perception they have made that is the most comfortable in accepting the situation. This splitting behavior is a result of mental fragmentation or to compensate for not wanting to address pain or fear. Splitting is the process of mentally compartmentalizing what we are willing to see, hear, and cope with, while ignoring evidence that is contrary to that belief, even when its true and accurate. | |||
It can be defined as the division or polarization of beliefs, actions, objects, or persons into good and bad by focusing selectively on their positive or negative attributes. Splitting diffuses the anxiety that arises from our inability to grasp the nuances and complexities of a given situation or state of affairs by simplifying and schematizing the situation and thereby making it easier to think about. It also reinforces our sense of self as good and virtuous by effectively demonizing all those who do not share in our same opinions and values. | |||
On the other hand, such a compartmentalization of opposites leaves us with a distinctly distorted picture of reality and a restricted range of thoughts and emotions; it also affects our ability to attract and maintain relationships, not only because it is tiresome and draining, but also because it can easily flip, with friends and lovers being thought of as personified virtue at one time and then as personified vice at another (flipping back and forth). | On the other hand, such a compartmentalization of opposites leaves us with a distinctly distorted picture of reality and a restricted range of thoughts and emotions; it also affects our ability to attract and maintain relationships, not only because it is tiresome and draining, but also because it can easily flip, with friends and lovers being thought of as personified virtue at one time and then as personified vice at another (flipping back and forth). | ||