Splitting in Psychology

 

Splitting refers to splitting one’s self-image or that of others into all good or all bad images, which avoid a realistic appraisal of positive and negative images. 

The split is evident in such desirable qualities as kind, loving, powerful, worthy and so forth. The negative descriptions reflect contradictions such as hateful, vulnerable, and unworthy. The positive and negative views may be applied to oneself or someone else. Splitting protects against feelings of anxiety caused by mentioning negative qualities about oneself or others and thereby ruining a positive image. The inability to present a cohesive image interferes with adapting to reality and leads to unpredictability when the person flips from all positive to all negative characterizations.

Splitting is a Level 2 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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