internalization theory

Internalization Theory

Internalization theory is the set of psychological theories developed by psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut in the 1970s, which views the internalization of parental behavior as a key component of identity formation. According to internalization theory, the internalization of external behaviors, or the identification with particular models, results in the individual’s development of a unique identity. By incorporating a sense of parental belonging and former models into one’s psychological makeup, the individual is able to feel secure within himself.

Internalization theory focuses on how individuals internalize positive behaviors and experiences of individuals that are seen as role models. Such models are referred to as “mirroring objects” and may originate from within the immediate family, the wider community, and religious or narrative sources. Internalization theory suggests that, by taking in these models, an individual can develop a sense of connectedness to an origin or source of values and meaning. In this way, the individual can more effectively cope with challenges and develop meaningful and satisfying relationships.

Internalization theory emphasizes the integral function of an individuals environment in his or her self-development. Internalization implies that ideas and values that an individual hears or learns from significant others become incorporated into his or her own identity. It suggests that an individual develops from the internalization of the experiences of others, as these experiences become meaningful to the individual. This process, which is understood to be a natural part of psychological development, results in the development of a unique self.

Moreover, internalization theory holds that healthy development of the self is facilitated by positive relationships with a primary caregiver, as well as other trusted individuals. Through a secure, supportive, and nurturing relationship with such people, an individual is able to internalize the behavior, values and expectations of others and develop a healthy self-concept.

Internalization theory has had a major impact on many psychotherapeutic approaches, including self-psychology. Self-psychology is a psychoanalytic model that seeks to help individuals understand and resolve their psychological difficulties by understanding the individual’s core vulnerabilities, fantasies, and experiences of emotional deprivation. Self-psychology was developed by Kohut in the 1970s and emphasizes the importance of accepting emotional dependency in psychotherapy, as well as of understanding and utilizing the emotional experiences of early childhood in order to gain insight into the individual’s current self-experience. Thus, self-psychology may be seen as an important application of internalization theory.

In conclusion, internalization theory is a set of psychological theories that focuses on how individuals internalize positive behaviors and experiences of individuals that are seen as role models. It emphasizes the integral function of an individuals environment in his or her self-development, and suggests that an individual develops from the internalization of the experiences of others. Internalization theory has had a major impact on many psychotherapeutic approaches, including self-psychology.

In the last few decades, the term internalization has gained increased traction in many areas of psychology. This psychological process refers to the transformation of an externally regulated behavior into an internally regulated behavior. Internalization occurs when an individual begins to perceive an external behavior as a teaching or requirement within their own value system.

Internalization is not just a process that occurs in early childhood, but is something influences and shapes behavior throughout life. When people internalize a behavior they begin to feel responsible and accountable for the behavior, and begin to regulate the behavior themselves. Internalized behaviors are more stable over time and are not easily changed by external factors.

A key factor in the internalization process is self-identity development, or the formation of our personal and social sense of identity. Internalization is said to occur as an individual learns to connect items that are important to their self-identity with behaviors that have been accepted as a standard in their culture. For example, if an individual develops a religious identity, the behaviors associated with that religion can become an internalized part of their identity.

Internalization theory is an important concept in understanding behavior, as it is thought to play an influential role in the development and maintenance of many forms of behavior. By understanding this process, we can better understand how behaviors become part of an individuals inner construction of reality. This knowledge can be used to develop interventions that can help individuals to change behaviors that no longer serve them, as well as reinforcing existing positive behaviors.