What does projection involve in psychological terms?

Projection in psychological terms refers to the defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unwanted feelings, thoughts, or motives onto someone else. This mechanism allows a person to avoid confronting their own negative emotions or undesirable traits by perceiving them in others. For example, a person who is feeling angry may accuse others of being hostile or aggressive instead of recognizing their own feelings of anger.

This defense mechanism serves to protect the individual from experiencing discomfort or guilt associated with those feelings. By projecting these attributes onto others, the individual can distance themselves from what they are experiencing internally, thereby maintaining their self-perception and emotional stability. Understanding this concept is crucial in psychology, as it highlights how individuals may misinterpret social interactions and relationships based on their internal conflicts.