Splitting (psychology)

Splitting (in psychology) is a defense mechanism that keeps us from seeing people or situations in shades of grey. Instead, we deal with extremes, and look at people or situations in only two ways - either good or bad. For example, if you had an experience with a teacher that was both good and bad, you might split that experience so that you either think the teacher is great or bad, but not both. Splitting helps us to avoid having complicated feelings, which can be uncomfortable.