What is introspective?

Introspection is a process of looking inward and examining one's own thoughts, feelings, and past experiences. It is a form of self-reflection and self-analysis that helps individuals gain self-awareness, gain a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around them.

It is commonly used in psychology and philosophy to study the human mind and behavior. Introspective methods involve a person's introspective reports or self-reports of mental events, including sensory, emotional or cognitive experiences.

In psychology, introspection is used as a tool to help understand and treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders. It helps to provide insight into the underlying thoughts, feelings and motivations that drive behavior.

However, some criticize introspection as being subjective and unreliable, as our own self-reports may be influenced by unconscious biases and limitations. Nevertheless, introspection can still be a valuable tool for personal growth and therapy.