Imago – The Inner Map
What Does Imago Mean?
Section titled “What Does Imago Mean?”An Imago is an inner image that we unconsciously carry within us of important people and relationships. This inner image shapes how we perceive others and how we react to them.
The term comes from the Latin word imago, meaning “image” or “primal image.”
Why “Map”?
Section titled “Why “Map”?”Think of your Imago as an inner map:
- The real world exists “outside.”
- Inside you lies a map built from earlier experiences.
- You unconsciously view new situations and people through this map.
This inner map provides orientation, but it can be distorted when old, difficult experiences are still very present.
A Simplified Schema
Section titled “A Simplified Schema”Real situation → Perception (trigger) → Imago / inner map → Interpretation (“What does this mean for me?”) → Feelings (fear, shame, anger) → Behaviour (withdrawal, attack, clinging)
How Does an Imago Form?
Section titled “How Does an Imago Form?”An Imago develops through repeated experiences with important attachment figures, especially during childhood:
- Which experiences occurred frequently (closeness, distance, safety, rejection)?
- Which feelings were commonly experienced (trust, fear, shame)?
- What was rewarded, what was punished?
From this, an inner “relationship knowledge” develops that usually remains unconscious but strongly influences how we react to others.
Imago, Projection and Transference
Section titled “Imago, Projection and Transference”Projection
Section titled “Projection”In projection, we transfer our own feelings or inner images (our Imago) onto other people. This means we often react not only to the person in front of us, but above all to what we unconsciously project onto them.
Transference in Everyday Life
Section titled “Transference in Everyday Life”Most people are familiar with situations where a sentence, a look, or a small delay suddenly triggers strong feelings “like before.” This is because your inner map has been activated and you are no longer seeing just the real situation in front of you.
Why Does the Imago Play an Important Role in Borderline?
Section titled “Why Does the Imago Play an Important Role in Borderline?”People with Borderline often experience particularly strong fluctuations in their perception of themselves and others.
Specifically, this means:
- Their inner image is unstable under stress and tips over easily
- They often categorise people and situations in extremes (“perfect” or “terrible”)
- Small situations can trigger intense feelings (fear, anger, shame) and lead to extreme reactions
This tipping of the inner image explains many typical relationship difficulties in Borderline – particularly the shift between idealisation and devaluation.
Everyday Examples
Section titled “Everyday Examples”Example 1 – Late Reply: A message goes unanswered. → Inner image: “I am being ignored/abandoned.” → Fear rises sharply. → Possible reaction: controlling behaviour, arguments, or withdrawal.
Example 2 – Criticism: Partner says: “That hurt me.” → Inner image: “I am bad, I am being rejected.” → Intense feelings (fear, shame). → Possible reaction: anger, devaluation, or emotional withdrawal.
What Helps in Dealing with This?
Section titled “What Helps in Dealing with This?”- Become aware: Recognise that your inner image is currently active.
- Reality check: What do I know for certain, and what am I merely interpreting?
- Slow down: Under pressure, your inner image becomes more extreme.
- Therapy / skills training: The goal is to make the inner images more stable and realistic.
Further Information
Section titled “Further Information”Source note: This content is based on the materials of the Borderlinezone (2002-2007) and has been adapted for this information portal.