Introjection and its relations to the construction of the psychical apparatus 1

The concept of introjection is fundamental to representing the psychic apparatus and its functioning. Introjection works in association with projection and establishes the object within the self. It “manufactures” the self. Introjection is different from incorporation. Introjection rests on a process of introjective identification, while incorporation involves a process of projective identification with an internal object. The introjected object is integrated into the self, whilst the incorporated object alienates the self.