Jungian Therapy, Jungian Analysis, New York

Introjection

from Jung Lexicon by Daryl Sharp

Introjection. A process of assimilation of object to subject, the opposite of projection.

Introjection is a process of extraversion, since assimilation to the object requires empathy and an investment of the object with libido. A passive and an active introjection may be distinguished: transference phenomena in the treatment of the neuroses belong to the former category, and, in general, all cases where the object exercises a compelling influence on the subject, while empathy as a process of adaptation belongs to the latter category.[“Definitions,” CW 6, par. 768.]