Definition of Projection or Blame-Shifting: (n.) A term originally coined as a self-defense mechanism by Anna Freud when a person attributes their own unwanted thoughts, feelings, or motives onto another person (A.
Freud, 1936). By projecting, or “blame-shifting” one’s undesirable mental/emotional notions onto another person, the individual is defended against having to be aware of and accountable to their own thought process.
The object of the projection is then targeted for blame, since the unwanted thoughts/emotions are too threatening to be accountable to.Narcissistic abusers are classic examples of individuals who deploy this type of defense mechanism but take it up exponentially several notches.
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