What does it mean to compartmentalize?
It is, he notes, often an unconscious strategy of the psyche to avoid anxiety around internal conflicts.
In the workplace:
Most of us have likely experienced compartmentalization through work.
And when we can’t handle cognitive dissonance, sometimes we compartmentalize as adefense mechanism.
One ubiquitous example of compartmentalization is the way humans compartmentalize animals for food, versus animals as pets.
Rationalizing certain things
Another common compartmentalization tactic isrationalizing problematic behavioror conflicting thoughts.
Causes of compartmentalization.
Addiction is especially pertinent here, because it is often accompanied by guilt and shame.
We’ll also note here that there is evidence that the male brain may be more inclined to compartmentalize.
When is compartmentalization healthy versus unhealthy?
Compartmentalization can be useful when you’re dealing with a particularly difficult time.
That doesn’t mean, however, that it won’t eventually need to be dealt with.
In addition to healing, there is something to be said about excessive worry.
To that end, Torrent says, compartmentalization, when done with awareness, can be healthy and adaptive.
Without awareness, we can become trapped in that fraudulent state," he explains.
Ultimately, the biggest key here is cultivating awareness to recognize when and how you’re compartmentalizing.
FAQ
Is it healthy to compartmentalize?
What causes someone to compartmentalize?
There are many reasons people may compartmentalize, from trauma to addiction to certain personality disorders.
Do people with PTSD compartmentalize?
Over time, though, their underlying issues will need to be addressed.
The takeaway.
Compartmentalization can happen anytime, anywhere.
