What term describes the unconscious incorporation of another's values as one's own?

The concept referred to by the term that describes the unconscious incorporation of another's values as one's own is known as introjection. This psychological process occurs when an individual internalizes the beliefs, values, or attitudes of another person—often a significant figure such as a parent or authority figure—without being consciously aware of it. Through introjection, these external values become part of the individual's own value system.

This mechanism plays a significant role in the formation of identity and can influence a person's thoughts and behaviors throughout their life. For example, a child may adopt their parent's values about honesty or education, making those values a central aspect of their own belief system. In therapy and mental health contexts, understanding this process can help professionals assess how these internalized beliefs may affect a person's behaviors and self-image.

The other options describe different psychological mechanisms that do not specifically address the process of incorporating another's values. For instance, projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others, while identification relates more to forming a connection with another person by taking on characteristics or behaviors. Displacement, on the other hand, is a defense mechanism where emotions are redirected from the original source to a safer target.