Distantiate

To create or establish a psychological or emotional distance between oneself and something or someone; to separate oneself from a situation, idea, or person, often to gain objectivity, control, or a sense of detachment. It can also refer to the act of mentally removing oneself from a situation to view it from a different perspective. The purpose of distantiating is to lessen emotional involvement and promote clearer judgment. This action often facilitates rational decision-making or coping mechanisms in stressful environments.

Distantiate meaning with examples

• During the heated debate, Sarah consciously tried to distantiate herself from the emotionally charged arguments, focusing instead on the factual evidence presented. This approach allowed her to make a more unbiased assessment of the situation and contribute effectively. Without this, she would likely not have performed her debate duty well, with the likelihood of her letting her emotions get the better of her.
• After witnessing the traumatic event, the therapist encouraged the patient to distantiate themselves from the experience through journaling. This allowed him to process his feelings at his own pace and to establish a sense of control over the memories, which in turn lessened his emotional intensity in a safe environment. He would have likely needed more help without this.
• The journalist aimed to distantiate himself from any political bias when writing the article about the upcoming election. This objective reporting approach was necessary to maintain the integrity of the news outlet and ensure the public received an unbiased perspective. This allowed the reader to make his own decisions about the information provided.
• To cope with her overwhelming work stress, Maria learned to distantiate herself mentally from the demands of her job after hours. By setting clear boundaries and practicing mindfulness, she avoided burnout. This was crucial for her health and wellbeing, without which she would have succumbed to workplace fatigue and emotional breakdowns.
• The art critic attempted to distantiate himself from the artist's personal life when evaluating the artwork. By concentrating solely on the visual elements and the techniques employed, he hoped to provide an objective and fair review. This would allow him to stay focused on his job and the subject, avoiding getting caught up in the stories.