What is a common outcome of projection as a boundary disturbance?

Projection is a psychological defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and motives to others instead of recognizing them within themselves. In the context of boundary disturbance, projection can often lead to paranoia as individuals might perceive others as harboring the same negative traits or feelings they are unwilling to acknowledge in themselves. This externalization can lead to a heightened sense of mistrust and suspicion toward others, resulting in paranoid thoughts or behaviors.

The other options present healthier outcomes that are less consistent with the effects of projection. Emotional independence, for instance, generally indicates a strong sense of self and boundaries, which contradicts the blurring of boundaries associated with projection. Increased self-awareness implies an ability to recognize and accept one's own feelings and behaviors rather than projecting them onto others. Lastly, enhanced empathy involves understanding and relating to the emotions of others, which is challenging to achieve if an individual is primarily engaging in projection, as this typically limits their capacity to see others clearly. Thus, paranoia becomes a likely common outcome stemming from the use of projection as a boundary disturbance.