Introjects

What's an Introject?

Introjects are an alter which is formed with the identity from a person, object, concept from something that is pre-existing. There are many slang terms to describe what an introject has formed from (Example: Fictive; from fictional media. Factive; from factual media), but they are all types of introjects.

Introjects are commonly formed from friends, family, teachers, or fictional media. Introjects can form to identify with almost any concept; like songs, foods, inanimate objects, animals, mythical creatures; and so on.

What is a Source?
A source is the media, object, or concept in which a Introject is based upon.
Example: A Spiderman introject's source may be described as Spiderman or Marvel.
Some introjects may be connected to their source, and others may not want to be compared to it.

Why do Introjects exist? Why do I see so many?
Introjects, like every alter, exist to help the system function as a whole. It may not be immediately clear why an introject has formed with their specific identity; but they all have a reason to do so. Introjects of popular media are not a sign of someone who is faking the disorder. Introjects, and all alters, form because of trauma. Introjects commonly form with their specific source due to the subconscious believing that their source holds a quality, trait, or aspect which would be helpful in shielding them from trauma. For example, a fictional character who is very quiet, non-confrontational, may be formed to help a system stay hidden and avoid lashing out at their abusers.

Introjects are more common in neurodivergent systems (Autism/ADHD/etc) because of how the brain fixates on media. Introjects have also become more common in newly discovered systems (People aged 13-18) because of how technology has made engaging with media whilst in a hostile environment more accessible, compared to older systems who did not have that media readily available whilst going through trauma.

Do's and Don't's interacting with Introjects

DO

  • Ask them if they're comfortable sharing source memories
  • Ask them if they relate to their source
  • Ask them their pronouns

DON'T

  • Fangirl over an introject because they are your favorite character
  • Treat them like their source
  • Baby them
  • Hold them to mistakes their source self made (unless it is applicable to them as a person, unrelated to the fact they are an introject)

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Edit Report
Pub: 18 Jul 2023 00:16 UTC
Edit: 18 Jul 2023 00:19 UTC
Views: 357