Theories of externalization

Theories of externalization suggest that mental processes develop through the way individuals express or "externalize" their internal thoughts, feelings, and ideas into the external world. This external expression—from speech, art, or actions—helps shape and organize internal cognition, making it easier to understand and communicate. Essentially, externalization bridges the internal mind and outward reality, influencing how people learn, solve problems, and develop social identities. These theories highlight the dynamic relationship between internal mental states and external behaviors, emphasizing that external actions are both a reflection of internal processes and a means to develop them further.