Splitting in psychology is a defense mechanism in which a person views the world and other people as either all good or all bad, with no middle ground. This black and white thinking can lead to extreme swings in emotions and perceptions of others. Someone who engages in splitting may idealize people or things that they perceive as good, and demonize those they perceive as bad.
Splitting is often seen in people with borderline personality disorder, but it can also be a feature of other mental health conditions, such as narcissistic personality disorder. It can be a coping mechanism for individuals who have difficulty with emotional regulation or who have experienced trauma.
Treatment for splitting often involves psychotherapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help individuals learn to recognize and manage their emotions and thought patterns. Medications may also be used in some cases to manage symptoms of underlying mental health conditions.
© Linda C J Turner
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