Which boundary disturbance involves adopting external concepts without truly assimilating them?

The concept of introjection is characterized by the process where individuals unconsciously adopt the beliefs, attitudes, or values of others without fully integrating these into their own belief system. This often occurs as a mechanism for coping or as a way to maintain connections with significant figures in one’s life.

In introjection, the external ideas are taken in as a part of the self, but they do not become genuinely integrated or transformed into the individual's own understanding or perspective. This can lead to a sense of disconnection from one's true self, as the individual may struggle with a lack of authenticity or personal agency in their beliefs and attitudes. This phenomenon can be seen in various therapeutic contexts and is particularly relevant in discussions about identity formation and personal development.

By recognizing introjection, therapists can help individuals explore and differentiate between what they have adopted from others and what their authentic self entails, thus promoting greater self-awareness and personal integrity.