Interacting with a health professional as one would interact with a parental figure is known as?

Transference describes a psychological phenomenon where an individual unconsciously redirects feelings, desires, and expectations originally associated with one person—commonly a parental figure—onto another individual, typically a health professional. This occurs in therapeutic contexts where the relationship dynamics may resemble those of the individual’s earlier experiences, often causing them to project their emotions, such as trust, love, or even resentment.

In therapy and healthcare settings, transference can significantly impact the therapeutic relationship. It allows health professionals to understand their patients better by recognizing when past experiences influence current feelings and behaviors. The phenomenon can be beneficial for insight and emotional processing but requires careful management by the health professional to ensure the therapeutic relationship remains productive and does not devolve into personal dynamics that could hinder treatment.

By recognizing transference, healthcare providers can work more effectively with patients, allowing for enhanced communication and improved outcomes in treatment.