Introduction to Projective Psychology

Projective psychology, also known as ‘projection’, is a psychological process of perceiving and responding to our environment through the involuntary transfer or ‘projection’ of our own feelings and beliefs on others. In essence, it is a form of psychological defense mechanism which helps protect us from the stress that arises from the need to acknowledge our own weaknesses, flaws and insecurities. In this article, we will provide an overview of projective psychology, identify common projections, unpack the reasons for projective behavior and strategies for reframing projective accusations.