Externalization (psychology)

Externalization is a term used in psychoanalytic theory which describes the tendency to project one's internal states onto the outside world. It is generally regarded as an unconscious defense mechanism, thus the person is unaware they are doing it. Externalization takes on a different meaning in narrative therapy, where the client is encouraged to externalize a problem in order to gain a new perspective on it.

This concept originally stems from Freud's theory of projection, proposed in the early 20th century, and was regarded as one of his primary defense mechanisms. Compared to projection, externalization carries a broader and more generalized significance. Over years of evolution and interdisciplinary integration, externalization has come to be seen as a process through which humans engage with, interact with, and influence the external world. In this broader interpretation, externalization is often viewed as a conscious process. By the late 20th century, externalization was successfully incorporated into narrative therapy, where it achieved notable impact. In the early 21st century, research in neuroscience also explored how externalization affects human behavior—particularly behaviors related to danger, arousal, and aggression. These studies confirmed a connection between externalization processes and various forms of neurological dysfunction.