WRITTEN BY BUTTERNUT / SHRIMP SYSTEM + BUTTERNUT’S FRIEND KILO
Introjects are parts that form with the identity of a person (fictional or factional), object, or concept that is pre-existing. Some people use different terms, such as fictive and factive (originally endo terms), some people use other terms, but it’s really up to preference.
Introjects are commonly formed from abusers, friends, family, teachers, and fictional media, however, Introjects can form to identify with almost any concept; like songs, foods, inanimate objects, animals, mythical creatures; and so on.
Note: The issue with the terms "double" and “sourcemate” is that they contribute to source connection. It is not good to compare introjects to their source, as there should be some sort of separation there, which I will touch on in the next section of this page!
Source separation is when an introject creates some sort of space between them and their source, whether it’s by not indulging with their source as frequently, changing their name, or working through source memories in therapy. There are many things that play into source separation.
Source separation is important to healing because, when an introject forms, they form to be something that the body/system needs and would otherwise not have. When you are healing from your traumas as a system, it is important to source separate so you can be a more authentic version of yourself and to let your guard down.
Source separation is NOT: Completely staying away from source, not going by your source name (if appropriate to do so), completely changing as a person.
Source separation IS: Accepting that you are a part of a system, accepting that you are not your source, recognizing that sourcemates are not their sources, not comparing people to their source, attempting to create relationships with people not solely based on their/your source
Introjects, like every alter, exist to help the system function as a whole. It may not be immediately clear why an introject has formed with their specific identity; but they all have a reason to do so. Introjects seem to be more common in the online system community because systems who are frequenting the internet are usually frequenting the internet as an escape from reality, as well as the fact that they may find comfort in trending media, which is why introjects from DSMP were so common in 2020. Introjects from trending media are not a sign of faking, they are a sign that the system latched onto something popular that they felt was needed to protect and/or comfort them.
There is no specific source on this, but it's very common to see introjects in neurodivergent systems, especially autistic systems, because of how the brain fixates on media. Introjects have also become more common in newly discovered systems (People aged 13-18) because of how technology has made engaging with media whilst in a hostile environment more accessible, compared to older systems who did not have that media readily available whilst going through trauma.
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