In psychology, splitting refers to a defense mechanism in which a person tends to perceive people, situations, or experiences as either all good or all bad, with little room for nuance or shades of gray. It is a way of thinking that involves extreme and polarized evaluations, without considering the complexities or ambivalence that may exist.
Splitting can manifest in various ways:
- Black-and-White Thinking: Individuals engaging in splitting may have a tendency to categorize things as either completely positive or completely negative, without acknowledging or recognizing the presence of mixed emotions, qualities, or perspectives.
- Idealization: Splitting often involves idealizing certain individuals, considering them to be perfect, flawless, or without any faults. This idealization can be fleeting, as the same person may be devalued once they are perceived as having negative qualities or behaving in a disappointing manner.
- Devaluation: On the other hand, splitting can involve devaluing people, situations, or experiences, viewing them as entirely negative or bad. This can lead to dismissing or discrediting positive aspects or qualities associated with the person or situation being devalued.
Splitting is commonly associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it can also occur in other mental health conditions, such as narcissistic personality disorder or certain forms of trauma. It is considered a maladaptive coping mechanism that can impact relationships, decision-making, and emotional well-being.
Therapy, particularly dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can be helpful in addressing splitting tendencies. The goal is to develop more balanced thinking, embrace ambiguity and complexity, and build healthier relationships based on a more realistic and nuanced understanding of others. Additionally, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy approaches may also be beneficial in addressing splitting tendencies and their underlying causes.
© Linda C J Turner
