Projection in psychology is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own undesirable thoughts, feelings, or motives to others. For example, a person who feels angry may accuse others of being hostile. This allows the individual to avoid confronting their own emotions by externalizing them. This concept was first introduced by Sigmund Freud, who believed that projection helps protect the self from anxiety and guilt. By projecting their feelings onto others, individuals can maintain a more favorable self-image while avoiding the discomfort of acknowledging their own flaws or negative emotions.