Mentalization
Mentalization is the ability to understand one's own and others' behavior by referring to thoughts, emotions, intentions and needs.
Definition
Mentalization helps not to stop at the behavior itself, but to ask what could be behind the person's reaction. It supports relationships, self-regulation and less impulsive interpretation of situations. Under the influence of stress, the ability to mentalize may weaken, which is why it requires curiosity, slowing down and readiness for uncertainty.
Key ideas
Missing key ideas.
Practice and life
In a conflict, write down two hypotheses: what could be happening in me and what could be happening in the other person, before you evaluate the intention.
Common misunderstanding
It is a mistake to confuse mentalization with certain reading of other people's thoughts. This is a hypothesis, not evidence.
Questions for self-reflection
No questions for self-reflection.
Sources
No sources.