What is the difference between decentering and broadening?

Definitions

decentering

- A psychological term referring to the process of shifting focus away from oneself and one's own experiences.

- Used in therapy to help individuals gain perspective and reduce self-centeredness.

- Can also refer to a social or cultural process of challenging dominant perspectives and centering marginalized voices.

broadening

- Referring to the process of expanding one's knowledge, experience, or perspective.

- Can be used in personal or professional development contexts.

- Can also refer to a social or cultural process of increasing diversity and inclusivity.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both involve a process of change or transformation.
• 2. Both can lead to increased understanding and perspective-taking.
• 3. Both can be used in personal or social contexts.
• 4. Both involve a shift away from a narrow or limited perspective.

What is the difference?

• 1. Focus: Decentering involves shifting focus away from oneself, while broadening involves expanding one's focus beyond current knowledge or experience.
• 2. Goal: Decentering aims to reduce self-centeredness and increase empathy, while broadening aims to increase knowledge and understanding.
• 3. Application: Decentering is often used in therapeutic or social justice contexts, while broadening can be used in personal or professional development contexts.
• 4. Scope: Decentering can refer to an individual or societal process, while broadening typically refers to an individual process.
• 5. Emphasis: Decentering emphasizes reducing the influence of dominant perspectives, while broadening emphasizes expanding one's own perspective.

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Remember this!

Decentering and broadening are both processes of change and transformation that involve shifting away from a narrow or limited perspective. However, decentering focuses on reducing self-centeredness and challenging dominant perspectives, while broadening focuses on expanding knowledge and understanding. While decentering is often used in therapeutic or social justice contexts, broadening can be used in personal or professional development contexts.