Which kind of boundary disturbance involves redirecting feelings towards oneself?

The correct answer is retroflection. This concept refers to an individual turning their feelings, impulses, or needs inward rather than expressing them outward. In various psychological and therapeutic contexts, retroflection can manifest as self-directed anger, frustration, or sadness, where individuals may suppress their true emotions or needs and instead focus those feelings on themselves. This often results in feelings of guilt, shame, or self-criticism.

Retroflection is a significant aspect of understanding how individuals manage their emotions and interpersonal relationships. For example, a person who feels angry at someone else yet holds back that anger might instead criticize themselves for feeling that way, hence turning their emotional response inward.

In contrast, other concepts such as confluence involve a lack of clear boundaries where individual feelings and identities blend, leading to difficulties in distinguishing oneself from others. Projection, on the other hand, involves attributing one's own feelings or impulses onto someone else, and deflection describes a tactic of avoiding the true feelings or issues by steering the focus away, often through humor or distraction. Understanding retroflection aids in recognizing the importance of expressing emotions authentically rather than internalizing them, which can lead to healthier communication and interpersonal interactions.