What is the process called when a family member projects old introjects onto another family member, affecting the way they interact?

The correct term for the process described is projective identification. This concept refers to a psychological phenomenon in which one individual projects their own feelings, attitudes, or traits onto another person, and in doing so, influences that person's behavior and emotional responses. In a family context, this can occur when an individual experiences unresolved issues or internal conflicts that are projected onto a family member. For example, a parent who has not dealt with their own feelings of inadequacy may project these feelings onto their child, leading to a dynamic where the child feels pressured to behave in ways that align with the parent's projections.

Projective identification goes beyond simple projection. It involves an interaction where the family member not only projects their feelings but also engages the other person in a way that evokes the projected feelings in them. This creates a relational dynamic that can perpetuate cycles of behavior and emotional responses within the family system.

The other options pertain to different psychological mechanisms. Transference typically refers to a scenario in therapy where a client unconsciously transfers feelings or emotions they have experienced in past relationships onto the therapist. Countertransference occurs when therapists project their own unresolved issues onto the client, affecting their professional relationship. Introjection is the internalization of external values or norms, as when an individual