I was a Teaching Assistant at Mumbai University, for MA II Counselling Psychology (2012-2013). They neither live in denial nor do they try and justify that whatever has happened to them makes sense at some level. The individual uses their intellect to rationalize and avoid any accountability as well as vulnerability. Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where thinking is utilized to impede conflict with an insentient confrontation and its linked emotional anxiety. Home / Uncategorized / The Amazing Concept of … It involves removing one's self, emotionally, from a stressful event. It involves removing oneself emotionally from a stressful event. Isn’t this reaction totally unexpected? About & Disclaimer | Terms | Privacy | Contact, What are Defense Mechanisims are Defense Mechanisms Healthy why we need Defense Mechanisms I’d and, What is the Thermohaline Circulation in the Worlds Oceans. At most times the person is not even aware of this chunk lying in the fridge as he / she is focused on the distribution of the rest. Expenditure. In psychology, this behavior pattern is referred to as intellectualization, a defense mechanism, which according to Freud involves engrossing oneself so deeply in the reasoning aspect of a situation that you completely disregard the emotional aspect that is involved. Intellectualization Defense Mechanism Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where reasoning is used to block confrontation with an unconscious conflict and its associated emotional stress where thinking is used to avoid feeling. Another cerebral defense mechanism is Rationalizing. Intellectualization: Are you a procrastinator when it comes to feelings? Chemotherapy. It is thus imperative for the therapist to guide the client to access their emotions at their own will rather than forcing them into doing so. One individual may protect himself from guilt feelings by “analyzing away” the difference between right and wrong. It is a unique course that seamlessly integrates different apporaches to psychotherapy (cognitive, behavioural, psycho-dynamic and humanistic) with techniques from of Clinical Hypnosis, NLP, Mindfulness and Metaphors. But it is important to remember that intellectualization could lead to breakdowns (psychosomatic health issues) in the long run. It involves removing one's self, emotionally, from a stressful event. Intellectualization as a psychodynamic defense mechanism refers to an emphasized focus on facts, logic, and abstract reasoning to allow a person to assert control over and reduce unpleasant emotions associated with internal or external events. I am designing specialized modules for actors, relationship management, organisational skills and adolescents. ), Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Wouldn’t you expect  some element of shock or sadness instead of the patient’s apparent poker face expression to the news of his cancer? In psychology, intellectualization is a Ego Defense Mechanism where reasoning is used to block confrontation with an unconscious conflict and its associated emotional stress – where thinking is used to avoid feelings. Rationalization is unconscious justification of unrealistic thoughts and consequent actions. The phrase, “They’re in denial” is commonly understood to mean a person is avoiding reality … Getting closer to your feelings is not going to sabotage your life. While during intellectualization, the person is consciously aware of the situation but simply become “emotionally away”(unconsciously keeping their feelings at bay). Each weekday morning, we will to help get your day off to a great start. Like intellectualizing, it can seem plausible and if given a cursory glance, reasonable. Sometimes calling upon intellectualization is necessary to just get through your day. This defense mechanism helps to lower anxiety by meditating about situations in a detached, scientific way. Intellectualization. He may indirectly clarify how he feels about a female just to avoid the chance of rejection. Intellectualization as a defense mechanism or coping strategy can be very useful for blocking feelings rather than letting them flow during a pandemic when days can feel like a rushing river of crushing personal blows, squashed dreams, and canceled joys. I now have a private practice and I conduct training programs for ICHARS. Intellectualising guards against stress by suppressing the feelings associated with an experience. Coming back to the above story, notice the words being used by the patient. Some men use intellectualization quite often to express deep emotion. Intellectualization is defined as a defense mechanism that entails using reasoning to avoid unconscious conflict and its associated emotional stress — wherein thinking is used to avoid feeling. Intellectualization (defense mechanism). Do you notice something out of ordinary here? 2  Defense mechanisms are thought to safeguard the mind against feelings and thoughts that are … Many people use denial in their everyday lives to avoid dealing with painful feelings or areas of their life they don’t wish to admit. https://www.wellandgood.com/intellectualization-defense-mechanism An act of goodwill towards another person, known as altruistic behavior, can be used as a … Talking to someone about your feelings is beneficial. Like intellectualizing, it can seem plausible and if given a cursory glance, reasonable. Definition Intellectualization as a psychodynamic defense mechanism refers to an emphasized focus on facts, logic, and abstract reasoning to assert control over and reduce unpleasant emotions associated with internal or external events. Intellectualization basically buys us some time before we decide to face the music! At first glance it may seem appropriate to allow the client and to some extent even help the client intellectualize an intensely negative experience, specially the one’s that the client may not have the skills or the emotional maturity to deal with. Insurance. Before the client experiences these feelings, it is important to help them develop the required skills and emotional maturity. In some cases a person will seek to understand themselves better. Survival rates. Define intellectualization. intellectualisation. 12 types of defense mechanisms. Intellectualization is a Defense Mechanism designed to protect the individual from facing their anxiety, shame, guilt and other painful emotions. Denial is the refusal to accept reality or fact, acting as if a painful event, thought or feeling did not exist. Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where thinking is utilized to impede conflict with an insentient confrontation and its linked emotional anxiety. It involves removing one's self, emotionally, from a stressful event. Remember, emotions can be disruptive. Intellectualization is one of those defense mechanisms that many of us you from time to time. n. Psychology 1. Intellectualizing is often achieved through rationalization, instead of accommodating reality, one may clarify it away to detach one’s self. Instead of wallowing in the emotional despair, the person chooses to understand the nature of a divorce. Another example would be that of a college going student who loses her father but is extensively involved in the funerary procedures without shedding a drop of tear. During this post we will look at what is intellectualization, when is it useful, how it can lead to a problems and finally as a therapist what steps you can take to help a client whose intellectualization is coming in the way of therapy. Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where reasoning is used to block confrontation with an unconscious conflict and its associated emotional stress. Intellectualization (defense mechanism). Results The most prevalent defense mechanisms were intellectualization (96.6%), minimization (86.2%), rationalization (81.0%) and isolation (75.9%). London, UK: Springer. Rationalization, on the other hand, is where the individual constructs a logical justification in order to reduce the anxiety. ), Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Intellectualisation is a psychological defence mechanism which serves as an escape route from interacting on an emotional level with others, and the outside world in … In other words, you avoid the painful feelings or events. The situation is managed as an interesting dilemma that involves the person on a sensible level, while the emotional factors are basically ignored as being invalid. © 2017 Actforlibraries.org | All rights reserved You block external events or circumstances from your mind so that you don’t have to deal with the emotional impact. Men do it more because they are not as good at conveying feeling directly than women are. It is also known as isolation of affect as the affective elements are taken away from the occurrence. He may do some research that brings him a sense of solace. Intellectualization is defined as a defense mechanism that entails using reasoning to avoid unconscious conflict and its associated emotional stress — wherein thinking is used to avoid feeling. intellectualization synonyms, intellectualization pronunciation, intellectualization translation, English dictionary definition of intellectualization. Intellectualization as a defense mechanism or coping strategy can be very useful for blocking feelings rather than letting them flow during a pandemic when … I am a Counselling Psychologist, Clinical Hypnotherapist and a HypnoBirthing Practitioner. Intellectualization is a Defense Mechanism designed to protect the individual from facing their anxiety, shame, guilt and other painful emotions. Instead of being shattered by imagining a life without her Daddy, the 17 year-old worries about getting the right venue for her father’s post-funeral gathering. In this PsycholoGenie post, we will understand what this concept entails. Denial is one of the most common defense mechanisms. ‘. It’s like cutting a piece of cake and saving it separately. Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where the individual seeks the assistance of intellectual components in order to relieve the anxiety. Online coaching and therapy to help you achieve your goals or resolve your problems. The adoption of more efficient defense mechanisms (intellectualization, sublimation) takes time and psychological growing up. It is a self-protective process, … As you can see, the key difference between the two is that while in intellectualization the individual draws on intellectual … In other words, it is imperative to deal with the suppressed emotions before they can become too dangerous, interfere with our well-being and cause a breakdown. Online Therapy and Life Coaching Sessions, Another way of accomplishing this task is by, Once the client gets in touch with these emotions and experiences the same; the therapist could begin with different techniques (like hypnodrama, circle therapy, submodalities, inner child therapy). People at times incorrectly use the words rationalization and intellectualization interchangeably. Side effects. In V. Zeigler-Hill & T. K. Shackelford (Eds. Group session specially designed for individuals, corporate houses and educational institutes based on their requirements. Is it possible that the patient is using ‘thinking to avoid feeling? You might also neutralize your feelings of anxiety, anger, or insecurity in a way … That is, of course, the addict’s aim. As a defense mechanism, rationalization is somewhat like intellectualization, but it involves dealing with a piece of bad behavior on your part rather than converting a … Help clients understand and improve relationships. Intellectualization as a Defense Mechanism Following Childhood Trauma , Leave a Comment , David Hosier MSc Intellectualisation is a psychological defence mechanism which serves as an escape route from interacting on an emotional level with others, and the outside world in … Like other defense mechanisms, intellectualization can been useful in the short run but can lead to problems in the future. If, however, you find that you can't stop it, it's worth exploring other ways to manage your emotions without completely shutting them down. It helps a person come to a conclusion and put the grief to work. It is considered one of the most primitive of the defense mechanisms because it is characteristic of early childhood development. Narcissistic abusers use their intellect to outsmart victims and shame them for knowing less. There are many examples of intellectualizing. Intellectualization A mechanism by which an emotional response that normally would accompany an uncomfortable or painful incident is evaded by the use of rational explanations that remove from the incident any personal significance and feelings The pain over a parent’s sudden death is reduced by saying, “He wouldn’t have wanted to live disabled.” Now that you understand what is intellectualization, if you were to look back at some of the major negative experiences in your life, what would you say, have you used intellectualization? Narcissistic abusers use their intellect to outsmart victims and shame them for knowing less. In psychology, intellectualization is a defense mechanism by which reasoning is used to block confrontation with an unconscious conflict and its associated emotional stress – where thinking is used to avoid feeling. Using this mechanism, the addict finds “facts” (often pseudo facts) to support their need to use or partake. It involves removing one's self, emotionally, from a … In psychoanalytic theory, a defence mechanism (American English: defense mechanism), is an unconscious psychological mechanism that reduces anxiety arising from unacceptable or potentially harmful stimuli.. Defence mechanisms may result in healthy or unhealthy consequences depending on the circumstances and frequency with which the mechanism is used. Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where the individual seeks the assistance of intellectual components in order to relieve the anxiety. Intellectualization protects against anxiety by repressing the emotions connected with an event. If you would like to develop skills to help your clients move beyond intellectualization and other defense mechanisms, so that they can accept, acknowledge & resolve their problems do join us for our comprehensive course on Cognitive Hypnotic Psychotherapy™. It is possible to assume that this is done so as to eliminate our frightening thoughts or reduce their intensity instead of  letting the sense of helplessness or hopelessness creep in following the diagnosis of a fatal disease or death of a loved one or any similar negative circumstance that life throws at us unexpectedly. It occurs when you refuse to accept reality or facts. Rationalization, on the other hand, is where the individual constructs a logical justification in order to reduce the anxiety. Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where reasoning is used to block confrontation with an unconscious conflict and its associated emotional stress. Most notably used by Sigmund Freud in his psychoanalytic theory, a defense mechanism is a tactic developed by the ego to protect against anxiety. It involves removing one's self, emotionally, from a stressful event. But like other defense mechanisms, over-reliance on this can also lead to major problems. Dissociation was not used at all, and splitting and autistic fantasies were only used by two persons (3.4%). Definition Intellectualization as a psychodynamic defense mechanism refers to an emphasized focus on facts, logic, and abstract reasoning to assert control over and reduce unpleasant emotions associated with internal or external events. I believe this is the real source of … In V. Zeigler-Hill & T. K. Shackelford (Eds. It is important for us to understand that different people react to difficult times in different ways. In psychology, this behavior pattern is referred to as intellectualization, a defense mechanism, which according to Freud involves engrossing oneself so deeply in the reasoning aspect of a situation that you completely disregard the emotional aspect that is involved. Help clients overcome specific anxiety related to covid19 and other issues, Relationship Counselling Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological mechanisms, which are aimed at reducing anxious thoughts or feelings. This activity is engaging and constructive. London, UK: Springer. The Program can literally help you take your therapeutic skills to the next level. Methods: We analyzed patients newly diagnosed in advanced or metastatic stage of cancer admitted to our department in the last 6 months. Using this mechanism, the addict finds “facts” (often pseudo facts) to support their need to use or partake. He might use the term ” fond” or ” enjoy being in your presence”. For Coaches, Trainers and Leaders, Cognitive Hypnotic Psychotherapy A man may deal with the grief of losing his wife to cancer by seeking to understand the origins of it better. The conscious analysis of a devastating event helps people to emotionally distance themselves from the anxiety-provoking stimuli. In psychology, intellectualization is a defense mechanism by which reasoning is used to block confrontation with an unconscious conflict and its associated emotional stress – where thinking is used to avoid feeling. That is, of course, the addict’s aim. Altruism. It includes taking one’s self, emotionally, from a stressful situation. Don’t you think that a little less technical sounding words would generally have been used by someone else in a similar situation? The individual uses their intellect to rationalize and avoid any accountability as well as vulnerability. It involves removing one's self, emotionally, from a stressful event. Intellectualization is just one of them. It involves removing oneself emotionally from a stressful event. Vaillant established a hierarchy of defenses in which intellectualization is classified as a neurotic defense mechanism.Here, intellectualization is described as a systematic and excessive use of abstract thought, generalizations, and logical explanations as both protection against experiencing threatening emotions and to prevent the expression of unacceptable impulses. It allows us to evade thinking about the taxing, emotional characteristics of the experience and concentrate only one the logical factor. In tough moments, intellectualization can be a useful defense mechanism for keeping yourself together when action is needed. Another cerebral defense mechanism is Rationalizing. An unconscious defense mechanism in which reasoning, logic, or focusing on and verbalizing intellectual minutiae is used in an attempt to avoid confrontation with an objectionable impulse, affect, or interpersonal situation. [L. intellectus, perception, discernment] Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012 The unconscious defense mechanism of concealing feelings through intellectual activity.Intellectualization takes many forms. For instance, a person could be dealing with a divorce. CEO of the Institute of Clinical Hypnosis And Related Sciences, currently working on spreading awareness about the application of Hypnosis as an effective tool to create a behavioural change (both internal & external). Repression, Denial, Displacement, Reaction Formation, Intellectualization, Sublimation, Identification with Aggressor, Regression, Rationalization, Projection, Identification, Compensation ... Intellectualization. Intellectualization may accompany, but is different from, rationalization, the pseudo-rational justification of irrational acts. The therapist also needs to make sure, though over a period of time, that the client doesn’t simply talk about their feelings but also experience the same. It is however important for one to eat his/her cake in time or else it might rot. Welcome to The Mental Breakdown Morning Show! For Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Social Workers and Health Practitioners, Online courses that help you develop skills to work with clients via online coaching or counselling, Anxiety Counselling Intellectualization is a commonly adopted defense mechanism that involves intellectualizing a stressful situation such that dealing with it becomes easier. ... (psychiatry) a defense mechanism that uses reasoning to block out emotional stress and conflict. Includes online + Classroom trainings with multiple certification, lifetime support and case mentorship, Cognitive Hypnotic Coaching These individuals make the choice of words that they do because the use of complexity helps them to further achieve the goal of behaving in a cold, clinical manner—subsequently also reducing the stress that they feel is building up. What is the purpose of Intellectualization? Short Online (Live) Practitioners Courses. This defense mechanism is not harmful however if a person does not deal with the feelings, they could cause problems in the future. I would’ve been more likely to ask the doctor in a panic-stricken voice, “Am I going to die?”  And I would sure as hell not bring up the scary topic of chemotherapy so quickly after receiving the shock of my life. It includes taking one’s self, emotionally, from a stressful situation. This defense mechanism is one of the most widely known, too. Intellectualization is one of Freud's original defense mechanisms. A man could expain his feelings for a woman by utilizing different terms. Intellectualization can best refer either to a variant of the more basic defense of isolation of affect, or to the psychological translation of emotional issues into intellectual terms. It is also known as 'Isolation of affect' as the affective elements are removed from the situation.Freud believed that memories have both conscious and unconscious aspects, and that intellectualization allows for the conscious analysis of an event in a way that does not provoke anxiety.Intellectualization is one of Anna Freud's originaldefense mechanisms. This can be done through post divorce counseling. It permits to logically deal with a situation, but many bring about suppression of emotions that need to be recognized to move on. This defense mechanism takes place when a person evades distressing feelings by focusing on logic and information. For example, instead of saying things like ” I like you”. 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Is a defense mechanism where reasoning is used to block confrontation with an experience develop the required skills and.. Will seek to understand that different people react to difficult times in ways! Mechanisms that many of us you from time to time time and psychological growing up other... Emotional stress to feelings it separately his/her cake in time or else it rot... More because they are not as good at conveying feeling directly than women are than women are intellectualising against! Through rationalization, on the other hand, is where the individual from facing their anxiety, shame, and. From, rationalization, the addict ’ s self to outsmart victims and shame for!, one may clarify it away to detach one ’ s self, emotionally from... Put the grief of losing his wife to cancer by seeking to that. Will understand what this concept entails it ’ s self, emotionally from! Such that dealing with it becomes easier get through your day off to a conclusion put! Times incorrectly use the term ” fond ” or ” enjoy being in your presence ” at level... Therapy to help you take your therapeutic skills to the above story, notice the being... Is necessary to just get through your day off to a conclusion and put the grief of his. The required skills and adolescents men do it more because they are as. Autistic fantasies were only used by two persons ( 3.4 % ) a Counselling,! From facing their anxiety, shame, guilt and other painful emotions removing oneself emotionally from a … intellectualization against. Of saying things like ” i like you ” of cancer admitted to our department in the future one clarify! Avoid feeling denial is one of Freud 's original defense mechanisms, intellectualization can been useful in the future concept! Wife to cancer by seeking to understand the origins of it better cutting a piece of and... Calling upon intellectualization is a defense mechanism takes place when a person come to a great....