This two-part series, led by HxA member Andrew Hartz, discussed the psychological concept of “splitting” and its implications. “Splitting” refers to the process of unconsciously framing individuals, groups, or ideas in all-or-nothing terms. Originally understood as a psychoanalytic defensive process, splitting is now a central part of numerous evidence-based psychotherapies.
Part one of this series took place on Tuesday, October 13 at 12pm ET, and discussed splitting and its role in political disagreements. When people stop splitting, they can understand issues more accurately, develop more effective solutions, have better relationships with people they disagree with, and increase their emotional stability and mental health. Applications of this concept and clinical interventions were discussed in detail.
Part two took place on Tuesday, October 20 at 12pm ET, and discussed splitting based on race and gender. It explored how this type of splitting shapes discourses on free speech, equity/disparities, gender/sexuality, academic research/theory, workplace discrimination, identity, morality, and other issues, as well as some suggested ways to address this problem.
