overidealise

Overidealisation is a cognitive and emotional process where an individual perceives another person, object, or concept as perfect or faultless, disregarding or minimizing their flaws and shortcomings. This often involves projecting an idealized image onto the subject, creating a distorted view that does not align with reality.

This phenomenon can manifest in various contexts, including personal relationships, where one might view a partner, friend, or celebrity through an overly positive lens, failing to acknowledge their imperfections. It can also extend to abstract ideas, political figures, or even inanimate objects, where an individual's belief in their inherent goodness or superiority is disproportionate to evidence.

The roots of overidealisation can be complex, sometimes stemming from a desire for comfort, security, or a sense of belonging. It can also be a defense mechanism to avoid confronting difficult truths or insecurities. In some cases, it might be linked to personality traits or psychological conditions.

While initial overidealisation can foster strong positive feelings and a sense of wonder, it is often unsustainable. When the idealized subject inevitably displays flaws or fails to meet the unrealistic expectations, the individual may experience disappointment, disillusionment, or even a complete reversal of sentiment, leading to devaluing or demonizing the subject. This cycle of idealisation and subsequent devaluation can be detrimental to forming stable and realistic perceptions.