Internalization

Definition

Internalization is the psychological process through which individuals adopt external norms, values, beliefs, or behaviors and make them part of their own personal framework. This process often occurs unconsciously, influencing how a person thinks, feels, and acts in various situations. Internalization plays a crucial role in shaping identity and can lead to changes in attitudes or behaviors that align with these newly adopted elements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internalization often occurs during formative years, as individuals are exposed to societal norms and expectations that they gradually adopt as their own.
2. This process can lead to profound changes in behavior, as individuals may feel a genuine alignment with the internalized beliefs or values.
3. Internalization can help explain why people continue to adhere to certain practices or ideologies even when they encounter contradictory information.
4. The role of cognitive dissonance is significant; when faced with conflicting thoughts or behaviors, individuals may internalize new beliefs to resolve discomfort.
5. Once internalized, these beliefs can be resistant to change, making it difficult for individuals to modify their views or actions even in light of new evidence.

Review Questions

• How does internalization contribute to an individual's sense of identity?
  • Internalization shapes an individual's identity by embedding external norms and values into their self-concept. As people adopt beliefs and behaviors from their surroundings, they begin to see these elements as integral parts of who they are. This process not only influences their decisions and actions but also reinforces their sense of belonging within a particular group or society.
• Discuss how cognitive dissonance can lead to internalization of new beliefs.
  • Cognitive dissonance creates a psychological tension when individuals hold conflicting beliefs or engage in behaviors that contradict their values. To alleviate this discomfort, they may choose to change their attitudes or adopt new beliefs that align with their actions. This internalization helps resolve the dissonance, ultimately leading to a more cohesive self-concept as the individual integrates these new beliefs into their understanding of themselves.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of internalization on behavior and decision-making processes.
  • The long-term effects of internalization can significantly impact behavior and decision-making by creating strong psychological frameworks that guide individuals' responses to various situations. Once certain norms or beliefs are internalized, they become deeply rooted in a person's identity, making them resistant to change. As a result, individuals may find themselves consistently acting in accordance with these internalized values, even when presented with opposing viewpoints or evidence. This can lead to both positive outcomes, such as strong moral convictions, and negative consequences, like dogmatism or inflexibility.

Related terms

Cognitive Dissonance: A psychological phenomenon that occurs when an individual experiences discomfort due to conflicting beliefs, values, or behaviors, leading to an alteration in one of these elements to reduce the dissonance.

Socialization: The lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their society or culture.

Self-Concept: An individual's perception of themselves, shaped by their experiences and interactions with others, which can be influenced by internalized beliefs and values.