Which term describes the tendency for individuals to project their feelings and experiences onto others in a group context?

The correct term that describes the tendency for individuals to project their feelings and experiences onto others in a group context is projection. This psychological defense mechanism entails individuals attributing their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences to other people, which can sometimes distort their perception of reality and their interactions in group settings. In a group context, this can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of others’ feelings or actions, as individuals infuse their own subjective experiences into how they perceive others.

Transference refers to the phenomenon where individuals project feelings or attitudes from past relationships onto a therapist or group leader, rather than other group members. Countertransference describes a situation wherein therapists or clinicians project their own feelings onto clients, often stemming from unresolved issues. Identification involves adopting the characteristics or behaviors of another person, often as a way to connect or bond with them rather than projecting one's own feelings onto them. Thus, while all these terms relate to interpersonal dynamics, projection is specifically the act of projecting one's internal feelings onto others, making it the most accurate choice in this context.