Externalized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ๏ธ
externalized
[ษชkหstษrnษlaษชzd ]
Definition
psychology term
To externalize means to express or manifest an internal thought, feeling, or idea outwardly. This often pertains to psychological processes where an individual projects their emotions or thoughts to the outside world instead of keeping them internalized.
Synonyms
articulate, express, manifest, project.
Examples of usage
- He externalized his anxiety through art.
- The patient externalized his feelings during the therapy session.
- She externalized her frustrations in her writing.
- They tend to externalize their problems rather than confronting them.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Externalization can help people cope with emotions by expressing what they feel rather than keeping it locked up.
- Therapists often encourage externalization for patients to explore and understand difficult emotions or thoughts.
- Writing in a journal is a common externalization technique that helps individuals clarify their feelings.
Art and Literature
- Many artists externalize their inner thoughts through creative expressions like painting and writing.
- In literature, characters often externalize their struggles, making their inner conflicts more relatable to readers.
- Externalization in storytelling can help viewers or readers connect with the themes and messages of a work.
Education
- Teachers encourage students to externalize their learning by discussing concepts in groups, helping to deepen their understanding.
- Projects and presentations are forms of externalization where students share their knowledge with peers.
- Externalizing thoughts can assist in developing critical thinking skills, as students learn to articulate their viewpoints.
Culture
- Different cultures may have unique ways of externalizing feelings, such as through rituals, celebrations, or public displays.
- Many cultures value externalizing emotions openly, while others might find it more acceptable to keep feelings private.
- Global festivals often serve as spaces for collective externalization, where individuals express joy or grief together.
Origin of 'externalized'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the verb 'externalize,' which means to express or reveal something externally.
- It can be traced back to the Latin word 'externus,' meaning 'outer' or 'outside.'
- This word has evolved in usage, especially during the 20th century, as psychology and therapy practices developed.
The term 'externalize' is derived from the prefix 'external', which comes from the Latin 'externus' meaning 'outer' or 'outside', combined with the suffix '-ize' that indicates a process of transformation or action. The actual use of the term in psychological contexts began to gain traction in the mid-20th century as psychology evolved to include more expressive therapies. Originally tied to discussions surrounding behaviorism and the ideas of projecting internal states outwardly, the term became popular as therapists noted the importance of helping patients articulate feelings through various modalities, such as art, verbal expression, and more. This evolution in psychology also paved the way for discussions around how people cope with and express their internal states, contrasting the ideas of internalization akin to repression. Today, 'externalize' is widely applied beyond psychology, in fields such as linguistics, sociology, and philosophy, reflecting its versatile and significant role in understanding human behavior and expression.