Revista Brasileira de Psicanálise
Print version ISSN 0486-641X
Abstract
AZEVEDO, Guilherme Magnoler Guedes de. Note on the difference between projection and projective identification. Rev. bras. psicanál [online]. 2022, vol.56, n.2, pp.201-216. Epub Aug 19, 2024. ISSN 0486-641X. https://doi.org/10.5935/0486-641x.v56n2.14.
The concept of projective identification allows countless interpretations. One of the controversies about it lies in the fact of knowing whether or not there is a difference between this concept and that of projection. In this study, I defend the idea that there are two differences between these concepts: 1) I believe that, in projective identification, projection and introjection operate together; 2) I think it is implied in the concept of projective identification (but not in the projection one) the idea of a confusion between subject and object, a product of an unbalance between projection and introjection, which results in a collapse in the triangular relation, with serious consequences on the ability to symbolize; the projection, on the other hand, is fundamental for the formation of symbols.
Keywords : projective identification; projection; symbolism.