The psychological construct of "splitting" has been described in a variety of ways over the years. Object relations theory describes splitting as a defense mechanism that is protective of the ego. Cognitive-behavioral therapy sees splitting as binary thinking. And more recently, Daniel Kahneman, in his book "Thinking Fast and Slow," describes System 1 and System 2 thinking. Splitting seems a function of System 1 thinking: fast, automatic, frequent, emotional, stereotypic, unconscious. It is "automatic" and in many situations can be very helpful. But as complexity increases System 1 thinking begins to get in the way. OTOH, System 2 thinking is built for complexity and is slow, effortful, infrequent, logical, calculating, conscious.
This is exactly what I needed to read this week on many levels. Thank you so much, Amanda. Your calm, authentic guidance is a gift.
The psychological construct of "splitting" has been described in a variety of ways over the years. Object relations theory describes splitting as a defense mechanism that is protective of the ego. Cognitive-behavioral therapy sees splitting as binary thinking. And more recently, Daniel Kahneman, in his book "Thinking Fast and Slow," describes System 1 and System 2 thinking. Splitting seems a function of System 1 thinking: fast, automatic, frequent, emotional, stereotypic, unconscious. It is "automatic" and in many situations can be very helpful. But as complexity increases System 1 thinking begins to get in the way. OTOH, System 2 thinking is built for complexity and is slow, effortful, infrequent, logical, calculating, conscious.