This pattern, known as idealization and devaluation, is commonly associated withborderline personality disorder (BPD).
Idealization and devaluation aredefense mechanismsthat help a person manage their anxiety, including both internal or external stresses.
In BPD, this shift between idealization and devaluation is known assplitting.
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It’s a sign that there is a disturbance in a person’s thinking and ability toregulate their emotions.
What Does Idealization and Devaluation Look Like?
Also explore how splitting can damage interpersonal relationships.
What Does Idealization Mean?
Idealization is a psychological or mental process of attributing overly positive qualities to another person or thing.
An example of idealization would be to place someone on a pedestal.
You look up to them and they can do no wrong.
This can quickly and unpredictably change to intense anger toward that person, a process called devaluation.
What Is Devaluation?
In psychiatry and psychology, devaluation is a defense mechanism that is just the opposite of idealization.
Idealization can quickly turn into devaluation because there is often no middle ground for a person with BPD.
Feeling challenged, threatened, or disappointed can quickly cause them to devalue the people they formerly idealized.
Ambivalence can be stressful.
Instead of trying to cope with it, devaluing functions to minimize the anxiety due to ambiguity.
What Does Idealization and Devaluation Feel Like?
Both idealization and devaluation are marked by intense emotions of either affection or anger.
For the person who is the subject of these emotions, the shift between the two can feel bewildering.
The cycle between these two states can make it difficult for people with BPD to maintain relationships with others.
People who have BPD tend to view others inall-or-nothing, black-and-white terms.
This self-protective defense mechanism aims to help people with BPD protect themselves from getting hurt in relationships.
By labeling people as “good,” they are able to engage in relationships despite the emotional risks.
Like most defense mechanisms, someone with BPD may not be aware they are engaging in devaluation and idealization.
Splitting is a subconscious way to protect themselves from perceived stress.
Splitting, or the rapid fluctuation between idealization and devaluation, is classically seen in borderline personality disorder.
Someone with narcissism may idealize, then devalue others, followed by discarding them.
Do I Have BPD If I Engage in Idealization and Devaluation?
After all, these behaviors are defense mechanisms typically used in BPD.
A therapist can help you focus on developing new behavior and thinking patterns that can improve yourinterpersonal relationships.
How Can You Stop Idealization and Devaluation in BPD?
Research has shown that BPD is treatable, and getting treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve relationships.
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