Psychological Factors

Dissociation:

• • Third-person self-reference might occur as a dissociative coping mechanism, particularly in individuals with a history of trauma.
  • It can reflect a separation from one’s identity or emotions, often as a way to protect oneself from overwhelming feelings.
  • Common in conditions like dissociative identity disorder (DID) or depersonalization-derealization disorder.

Self-Distancing:

• • • Referring to oneself in the third person can be a way to create emotional distance from distressing thoughts or experiences.
    • Research suggests self-distancing can help individuals process negative emotions more objectively and reduce anxiety.

Identity Issues:

• • For some, the use of “she” instead of “I” might reflect a struggle with personal identity, potentially due to self-esteem issues or feeling disconnected from one’s sense of self.

Fear of Trauma or Judgment:

• • The use of third-person language could be connected to fear of being criticized or blamed. By referring to oneself in the third person, it may feel as though the person is discussing someone else, providing a buffer against perceived or actual criticism.

Connection to Trauma

Past Trauma:

• • People who have experienced physical or mental trauma might use third-person self-reference as a survival strategy. It can create a psychological barrier, insulating the individual from reliving or acknowledging painful memories.

Fear of Future Trauma:

• • Anticipatory anxiety or fear about future harm—whether physical, emotional, or social—might also lead to third-person self-reference as a preemptive defense mechanism.

Avoidance or Deflection

Avoidance of Responsibility:

• • Referring to oneself in the third person can sometimes serve as a way to deflect responsibility or accountability. For instance, framing actions or decisions as belonging to “her” rather than “me” can reduce the sense of personal involvement.

Deflecting Criticism:

• • By using third-person language, individuals might make their actions or feelings appear more abstract, shielding themselves from direct criticism or confrontation.

Cultural or Social Norms

• • In some cultures or social contexts, referring to oneself in the third person might not indicate psychological distress. For example, celebrities or public figures sometimes use third-person self-reference to maintain a sense of detachment or professionalism.

When It May Indicate a Problem

• Persistent or extreme use of third-person language, especially when it disrupts normal functioning or relationships, might be a symptom of underlying psychological conditions such as:
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
  • Schizophrenia or psychosis
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in some cases, as a language quirk

Therapeutic Perspectives

• Addressing the reasons behind third-person self-reference involves exploring underlying emotions, fears, or traumas in a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
• Cognitive-behavioral approaches might focus on reframing thoughts and fostering a stronger sense of personal agency.
• Trauma-focused therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) could help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories.

Conclusion

Referring to oneself in the third person is not inherently indicative of a psychological disorder. It could be a learned behavior, a coping mechanism, or a cultural trait. However, when it is associated with fear, trauma, or avoidance, it might reflect deeper psychological or emotional challenges. Understanding the context and individual circumstances is crucial in determining the significance and addressing any underlying issues.