OVERIDENTIFICATION Meaning and
Definition
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Overidentification refers to a situation in which an individual or group strongly identifies with a particular characteristic, attribute, or group that they belong to, to the extent of emphasizing and prioritizing it over other aspects of their identity or other groups they may belong to. This phenomenon often occurs when a person perceives this particular characteristic as the most defining aspect of their personality or when they perceive it as being threatened or marginalized in society.
In the context of social identity theory, overidentification occurs when a person develops an exaggerated sense of attachment and allegiance to their own social group. This can lead to a narrow view of their own identity, often excluding or downplaying other aspects of their self-concept. Consequently, individuals who experience overidentification may tend to perceive their own group as superior and seek validation and affirmation from within their group, rather than seeking diversity and inclusion.
Overidentification can have both positive and negative implications. On one hand, it can foster a sense of belonging and unity within the group, as individuals bond over shared experiences and values. However, the excessive focus on a single attribute or group identity may lead to exclusion, prejudice, or discrimination against those who do not possess the same attribute or belong to a different group. This may restrict an individual's capacity to appreciate diversity and engage in constructive dialogue with other groups, thereby impeding their ability to develop a broader and more comprehensive understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Common Misspellings for OVERIDENTIFICATION
- iveridentification
- kveridentification
- lveridentification
- pveridentification
- 0veridentification
- 9veridentification
- oceridentification
- oberidentification
- ogeridentification
- oferidentification
- ovwridentification
- ovsridentification
- ovdridentification
- ovrridentification
- ov4ridentification
- ov3ridentification
- oveeidentification
- ovedidentification
- ovefidentification
- ovetidentification
Etymology of OVERIDENTIFICATION
The word "overidentification" is a compound word, consisting of two components: "over-" and "identification".1. "Over-" is a prefix derived from the Middle English term "over" or "ouer", which signifies excessive, exceeding, or going beyond a certain measure. It originated from the Old English word "ufor" and is related to the German word "über". In the context of "overidentification", the prefix "over-" emphasizes an excessive or exaggerated state of identification.2. "Identification" originates from the Latin word "identificāre", which is a combination of "idem" meaning "same" and "facere" meaning "to make" or "to do". It refers to the act or process of recognizing, perceiving, or associating oneself with another person, group, or thing. In the case of "overidentification", it refers to an excessive or disproportionate level of identification.
