system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: What is projective identification?

I've read the wikipedia article on projective identification, but it still doesn't really make sense to me. I'm wondering if someone here could explain it in a more simplistic manner.

Thanks.
gpt
Melanie Klein's definition of projective identification is as such:

*"An unconscious phantasy in which aspects of the self or an internal object are split off and attributed to an external object."*

I think it's important to understand what projection is first:

* Projection is simply attributing one's issues to someone else (a defense mechanism to feel better about ourselves).

* Projective identification is when we are the victim of projection from someone else and start to identify with the projection.

Example:

* Bob has low-self esteem, Bob goes to David and says, "Hey, it looks like you've gained weight."

* David really hasn't gained weight, but he starts to question if he has or not and spends the rest of the day worrying about how he looks and if his clothes fit right.

So, in essence:

* Bob projected his weight issues onto David, who doesn't have any, but David *identified* with the projection and now questions his perception of self.