Exsomatize refers to the act or process of externalizing or projecting one's thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations onto an object or another person. The term combines the prefix "ex-", meaning outside or outwards, and "somatize," which derives from the word "soma" meaning body, indicating a projection outside of the body.
In psychology, exsomatization is often associated with the concept of somatization, where psychological distress or unconscious emotions manifest as physical symptoms. However, exsomatization specifically refers to the expression of these emotions or sensations onto something external to oneself.
Exsomatization can be seen as a coping mechanism or defense mechanism to deal with overwhelming feelings or experiences. It may occur consciously or unconsciously, and can take various forms such as perceiving an inanimate object as having human attributes, attributing personal qualities to a fictional character, or even projecting one's physical sensations onto another person.
This phenomenon is observed in various contexts, including art, literature, and everyday life. For example, an artist may exsomatize their emotions by using painting as a means to express their inner world. In literature, characters might exsomatize their desires onto an object or another character. In interpersonal relationships, individuals may unconsciously exsomatize their fears or insecurities onto their partners.
Overall, exsomatization is an intriguing psychological concept that encompasses the projection of internal thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations onto external objects or other people as a way to cope with or express one's inner experiences.
