Monday, July 13, 2020

Devaluation and Idealization in BPD

Devaluation and Idealization in BPD BPD Print Devaluation and Idealization in BPD By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial policy Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Updated on September 19, 2019 PeopleImages / Getty Images More in BPD Diagnosis Treatment Living With BPD Related Conditions In This Article Table of Contents Expand Idealization Devaluation Defense Mechanisms In Other Personality Disorders When To See a Doctor View All Back To Top Devaluation and idealization  are defense mechanisms that help a person manage their anxiety as well as internal or external stresses. While this subconscious protection system can be found in a few personality disorders, it is most often associated with  borderline personality disorder  (BPD). Idealization Idealization is a psychological or mental process of attributing overly positive qualities to another person or thing. Its a way of coping with anxiety in which an object or person of ambivalence is  viewed as perfect, or as having exaggerated positive qualities. Its common with borderline personality disorder for a person to idealize a friend, family member, or loved one. They feel intense closeness towards that person and place them on a pedestal. This can quickly and unpredictably change to intense anger toward that person, a process called devaluation. Devaluation In psychiatry and psychology, devaluation is a defense mechanism that is just the opposite of idealization. Its used when a person attributes themselves, an object, or another person as completely flawed, worthless, or as having exaggerated negative qualities. Defense Mechanisms Both devaluation and idealization are considered to be on a minor image-distorting level on the Defensive Functioning Scale. This tool  is used by doctors to group patients defense mechanisms into levels of intensity. Like most defense mechanisms or coping strategies, many people are not aware they are engaging in devaluation and idealization. Its done subconsciously as a way to protect themselves from perceived stress. In borderline personality disorder, devaluation often alternates with idealization. For instance, a person with BPD may shift from great admiration for a loved one â€" idealization of that person â€" to an intense anger or dislike towards that person â€" devaluation of that person. This wild shift between idealization and devaluation found in BPD is known as splitting, which signifies a disturbance in both thinking and emotion regulation. Scientific data suggests that this splitting is linked to activation in the prefrontal cortex â€" the front part of your brain associated with personality â€" and the amygdala â€" the part of your brain that controls emotional perception and expression. Devaluation and Idealization in Other Personality Disorders Devaluation is not limited to people with borderline personality disorder. It may be seen in other personality disorders, especially antisocial personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder. Idealization is sometimes also seen in narcissistic personality disorder, especially towards the self or the treating therapist. Splitting, or the rapid fluctuation between idealization and devaluation, is classically seen in borderline personality disorder. What Does This Mean for Me? Devaluation and idealization are defense mechanisms commonly used in borderline personality disorder. That said, just because you engage in these defense mechanisms does not mean you have BPD â€" its simply a feature of this disorder. Speak with your doctor or a therapist if you are concerned that you use coping strategies like these to deal with emotional conflict or stress. Screening for Borderline Personality Disorder