Trait Transference

I wasn't quite sure where to put this topic.

Apparently in psychology there is an observed phenomena called "trait transference".

"In “trait transfer,” whatever you say about other people influences how people see you. If you describe a co-worker as brilliant and charismatic, your acquaintance will tend to associate you with those qualities. Conversely, if you describe a co-worker as arrogant and obnoxious, those traits will stick to you. So watch what you say."

I was never aware of this. It brings to mind Jung's shadow part of the unconscious wherein lies those aspects of ourselves that we have denied. Our shadow often becomes apparent in our sharp criticism or lofty elevation of a particular person because of traits they exhibit. So, if we criticize someone for being arrogant, there's a good chance we either 1) don't let ourselves feel arrogance or 2) are arrogant ourselves but don't realize it. Trait transfer seems to tie in with the latter: we criticize others for being arrogant and are seen as arrogant, possibly because we actually ARE arrogant. There may be another mechanism involved though that would cause someone to think we are arrogant because we've criticized another for being so.

does a chicken have lips?

can't go wrong talking about Jung.

"Is this a meditation web site still?" - Chris

Haha! Sorry, I do tend to bring up things that might only be tangentially related...

can't go wrong talking about Jung.



-michaelmonson

agree

actually, really engaging some Jungian work was incredibly helpful to me in life in general and in becoming prepared for the different but related undertaking of awakening. I'm not sure I would have been ready and able to engage practice in a deeply transformative way if not for that Jungian "ngondro"...