3 Ways Bad Friends Use ‘Distancing Language’ To Keep You At Arm’s Length
What is psychological distancing?
Psychological distancing is a mental strategy where individuals create emotional separation from stressful or uncomfortable situations. It involves imagining upsetting events as happening far away or from a third-person perspective, which helps reduce negative emotions and lower signs of stress. Distancing language, such as avoiding present tense and first-person pronouns, is often used to reflect this mental separation and further dampen emotional impact.
How does psychological distancing reduce stress?
Psychological distancing reduces stress by helping individuals manage discomfort and negative emotions. It involves imagining upsetting situations as happening far away or from a third-person perspective, which lowers biological signs of stress such as blood pressure and amygdala activity. By mentally pushing away negative experiences, their emotional impact is lessened, providing a coping mechanism for stressful situations.
What is "distancing language"?
Distancing language is a communication technique where a person uses phrases and words to create emotional or psychological separation from a particular topic, idea, discussion, or group1. It is often used to identify if a person is lying or to indicate a lack of commitment, interest, or connection with the subject being discussed.