Intellectualization is a defense mechanism that many individuals employ to cope with challenging situations. In this article, we will delve into the concept of intellectualization, its purpose, potential problems associated with over-reliance on this defense mechanism, and how therapists can effectively guide clients through it. We will also explore a real-life case study to illustrate the impact of the defense mechanism of intellectualization on emotional expression. Intellectualization: Case Study Doctor: I’m sorry to inform you that you’ve got lung cancer. Patient: Okay. So what kinds of medications in this case are likely to increase the survival rates? Doctor: There are a few pills I’ll be putting you on. I understand if this has come to you as a shock and you’re upset… Patient: Thank you! I would like to know if I will be put on chemotherapy. What are the side effects of this treatment? Doctor: No, we can’t say if chemotherapy will be required as of yet. However, it does bring about a few physiological changes. If you would like to inform your family and friends… Patient: Sure. What is the general trend of expenditure in the course of this treatment? It would be only appropriate to have a word with my insurance company. Do you notice something out of ordinary here? Isn't this reaction unexpected? Wouldn't you expect some element of shock or sadness instead of the patient’s apparent poker face expression to the news of his cancer? Is it possible that the patient is using 'thinking to avoid feeling? ' In psychology, this behaviour pattern is referred to as intellectualization. What is the defense mechanism of intellectualization? Intellectualization, as per Freudian psychology, involves immersing oneself deeply in the rational aspects of a situation while consciously disregarding the emotional dimension. It acts as a shield against overwhelming emotions, allowing individuals to analyze distressing events with a clinical detachment. Another example would be that of a college going student who loses her father but is extensively involved in the funerary procedures without shedding a drop of tear. Instead of being shattered by imagining a life without her Daddy, the 17 year-old worries about getting the right venue for her father’s post-funeral gathering. How Defense mechanism of intellectualization helps? The conscious analysis of a devastating event helps people to emotionally distance themselves from the anxiety-provoking stimuli. Coming back to the above story, notice the words being used by the patient... Survival rates, Chemotherapy, Side effects, Expenditure, Insurance. These individuals deliberately select such intricate words as a strategic choice. The complexity in language serves to advance their objective of adopting a detached and clinical demeanor, effectively mitigating the accumulating stress they might be experiencing. Rationalization & Intellectualization People at times incorrectly use the words rationalization and intellectualization interchangeably. Rationalization is unconscious justification of unrealistic thoughts and consequent actions. While during intellectualization, the person is consciously aware of the situation but simply become "emotionally away", unconsciously keeping their feelings at bay. They neither live in denial nor do they try and justify that whatever has happened to them makes sense at some level. It’s like cutting a piece of cake and saving it separately. At most times the person is not even aware of this chunk lying in the fridge as he / she is focused on the distribution of the rest. It is however important for one to eat his/her cake in time or else it might rot. In other words, it is imperative to deal with the suppressed emotions before they can become too dangerous, interfere with our well-being and cause a breakdown.
