Internalizing, in psychology and related fields, refers to the process by which individuals incorporate external ideas, beliefs, values, or standards into their own personal frameworks. This can involve adopting these elements as one's own, often leading to changes in attitudes, behaviors, and emotions. The process can be conscious or unconscious and results in a deeper understanding of one's environment and relationship to it. Successfully internalizing something indicates its acceptance and integration into the self, influencing actions and decisions from an intrinsic source. Failure to internalize can manifest in various ways, including rejection, conflict, or a superficial understanding.
Internalizing meaning with examples
- As a child, Sarah internalized her parents' strong work ethic. Seeing them diligently tackle their responsibilities, she began to value hard work herself. This internalized value profoundly shaped her approach to school and later, her career. Now, she approaches challenges with determination, viewing hard work not as a chore, but as a means of personal fulfillment and achieving her goals. This shows how something becomes intrinsic and influences someone's behavior for the better.
- The marketing campaign aimed to help customers internalize the brand's message. Through consistent messaging and appealing visuals, the goal was to help consumers recognize the brand's values and associate it with positive experiences. This was designed to help shape their purchase decisions and foster long-term brand loyalty. If successful, the campaign would create a deeper emotional connection, ensuring the message had a lasting effect on their perception and actions.
- During therapy, a patient struggling with low self-esteem began to internalize the therapist's positive affirmations about their strengths and capabilities. Initially, they felt skeptical. Gradually, these messages were becoming more of a reality, eventually reshaping their internal monologue and their sense of self-worth. This process helped them overcome negative self-talk and fostered a more positive and resilient outlook. The ability to internalize changed their behavior.
- A group of students, exposed to new perspectives, started internalizing the importance of environmental sustainability. They started to change their lifestyles to reduce their ecological footprint, and became active advocates for conservation efforts. Their shift in behavior demonstrated a true acceptance and integration of these values. Their actions demonstrated that the new principles were not just words but guiding principles in their everyday lives and actions.