Interpersonal Transference
OVERVIEW
Interpersonal transference is a psychological phenomenon that occurs in various social contexts, where individuals unconsciously transfer emotions, expectations and relationship dynamics from past experiences onto present-day interpersonal relationships.[1] It involves projecting unresolved emotions and unresolved conflicts onto others, often mirroring past significant relationships.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Interpersonal transference refers to the unconscious process of attributing feelings, attitudes and relational dynamics from previous relationships onto current interpersonal interactions.[2] It occurs when individuals project unresolved emotions, unmet needs and unresolved conflicts onto others, often unconsciously. Interpersonal transference can manifest in different ways, such as positive or negative emotions, idealization, overreaction, avoidance and repetition of relationship patterns.[3]
THEORIES OF INTERPERSONAL TRANSFERENCE
Psychoanalytic Theory: Interpersonal transference can be understood within the framework of psychoanalytic theory. Sigmund Freud and subsequent psychoanalysts proposed that individuals carry unresolved conflicts and emotions from early life into their current relationships.[4] These unresolved issues shape individuals' expectations, perceptions and behaviors in interpersonal interactions.
Attachment Theory: Attachment theorists, such as John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, emphasize the influence of early attachment experiences on later relationship patterns.[5] They suggest that interpersonal transference can stem from attachment-related insecurities. Individuals may project their early attachment dynamics onto present relationships, seeking to address and resolve these unresolved attachment issues.
MANIFESTATIONS OF INTERPERSONAL TRANSFERENCE
Interpersonal transference can manifest in various ways, impacting individuals' perceptions, behaviors, and emotional experiences in relationships.
Positive Transference: Positive interpersonal transference involves projecting positive emotions and attributes onto others.[6] Individuals may idealize others, attributing qualities such as trustworthiness, competence or kindness. Positive transference can lead to favorable perceptions and supportive behaviors in relationships.
Negative Transference: Negative interpersonal transference manifests as projecting negative emotions, unresolved conflicts or mistrust onto others.[7] Individuals may react to others based on past disappointments, betrayals or perceived similarities to negative figures from their past. Negative transference can lead to overreactions, hostility or avoidance in relationships.
Repetition of Relationship Patterns: Interpersonal transference often involves the repetition of relationship patterns from past experiences.[8] Individuals may unknowingly seek out or recreate dynamics that resemble previous relationships, even if those patterns are unhealthy or unfulfilling. This repetition offers an opportunity to address unresolved issues and seek resolution in current relationships.
IMPLICATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
Understanding interpersonal transference has practical implications for various domains.
Personal Relationships: Recognizing and addressing interpersonal transference can enhance self-awareness and improve the quality of personal relationships.[9] By becoming aware of patterns and projections, individuals can work towards healthier and more authentic connections with others.
Psychotherapy: Interpersonal transference plays a crucial role in therapy, particularly in psychodynamic and relational approaches. Therapists help clients explore and understand their transference reactions, providing an opportunity to gain insight into unresolved conflicts, relationship dynamics, and underlying emotions.[10] Addressing transference in therapy can lead to personal growth, improved self-awareness and healthier relationships outside the therapeutic context.
Organizational Contexts: Interpersonal transference can impact relationships within work environments, influencing interactions between colleagues, supervisors and subordinates.[11] Recognizing and managing transference dynamics can contribute to more effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution within organizations.
Learn more about Transference here.
Contributed by: Jordan Denaver
Editor: Jennifer (Ghahari) Smith, Ph.D.
REFERENCES
1 Andersen, S. M., & Baum, A. B. (1994). Transference in interpersonal relations: Inferences and affect based on significant-other representations. Journal of Personality, 62, 459–497.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
4 Freud, S. (1912). Recommendations to physicians practicing psycho-analysis. Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, 12, 109-120.
5 Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. Basic Books.
6 Mitchell, S. A., & Black, M. J. (1995). Freud and beyond: A history of modern psychoanalytic thought. Basic Books.
7 Ibid.
8 Beretta, V., Despland, J. N., Drapeau, M., Michel, L., Kramer, U., Stigler, M., & de Roten, Y. (2007). Are relationship patterns with significant others reenacted with the therapist?: a study of early transference reactions. The Journal of nervous and mental disease, 195(5), 443–450. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nmd.0000253766.35132.30
9 Andersen & Baum (1994)
10 Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). Transference. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/transference
11 Andersen, S. M., & Przybylinski, E. (2012). Experiments on transference in interpersonal relations: Implications for treatment. Psychotherapy, 49(3), 370.