Intellectualization in Psychology

 

Thinking 2023
Geoffrey Sutton & Bing Image Creator

Intellectualization is a cognitive defense strategy of avoiding distressing feelings by analyzing events as if there were no emotions involved. The intellectualization may not reflect highly intelligent thought processes. 

Talking about how a loved one died may keep the pain of loss at an emotional distance by focusing on the intellectual facts of the death.

People may explore why their difficult experience of abortion, sex trafficking, or rape in an abstract and unemotional way as a defense against strong emotions and taking action that could lead to post-traumatic growth. Their thoughts about "why" something happened may not be sophisticated but they use their problem-solving ability to try to understand what to most people would be a highly emotional expeirence.

Intellectualization is a Level 6 Defense Mechanism.

Resources

A- Z List of Defense Mechanisms with descriptions

 

Psychotic Defense Mechanisms described

 

Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales

            Form Self-Report 30

            Q-Sort Version

 

Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is  www.suttong.com

 

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Dr. Sutton’s posts are for educational purposes only. See a licensed mental health provider for diagnoses, treatment, and consultation.