introjection

In psychology, introjection (often mistakenly considered a substitute for the terms identification or internalization) is the unconscious adoption of the thoughts, memories or personality traits of others. It occurs as a normal part of development, such as a child taking on parental values and attitudes. It can also be a defense mechanism in situations that arouse anxiety. It has been associated with both normal and pathological development. In sociology and other social sciences, internalization (or internalisation) means an individual's acceptance of a set of norms and values (established by