Idealization (psychology)

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Idealization represents an intrapsychic defense mechanism and is a key concept in psychology (especially developmental psychology ) and the social sciences . It describes behavior, objects (people, groups , epochs , regions, etc.) or the self to be elevated to an unrealistically inflated ideal .

In the first years of life, the child experiences its parents as overpowering, protective and perfect role models without weaknesses ( cf.parent image ). In its further development the child begins to understand that the parents also have weaknesses and do not correspond to their own ideal of a perfect personality. This thinking arises as a by-product in the preliminary stage to empathy , which the child learns at the age of 6. During puberty, adolescents separate themselves from their idealized parents, and friends and their own relationships come more and more to the fore. In the early stages of puberty, unreachable personalities are often viewed as ideals (e.g., many adolescents adore pop stars). For - in the adolescence phase occurring process of detachment from the parent-child relationship is the importance of de-idealization.

A lack of reality testing an idealization may cognitive distortion (distorted = Reality lead notions) (see also fanaticism ). In the formation of reactions in psychoanalytic theory, an idealization serves to ward off aggressive impulses against an idealized person in order to ward off feelings of guilt and fears.

To be in love (= being in love) is probably the most remarkable form of idealization. In the beginning, this relationship is mainly based on the fact that one only recognizes / hopes for positive character traits in the (new) partner. Idealization also includes introjection of the partner. A realistic, sustainable relationship can only arise with de-idealization and the associated acceptance and acceptance of positive and negative characteristics of the partner. From falling in love creates so love .

See also

• Devaluation (defense mechanism)
• Splitting (defense mechanism)
• Defense mechanisms (intrapsychic)
• Borderline personality disorder
• Emotion regulation
• narcissism
• Noble savage

Web links

• hr-online.de: radio clips

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Thomas Auchter, Laura Viviana Strauss: Small dictionary of psychoanalysis , p. 87