Identification
Identification is the mechanism where the individual enhance self esteem by patterning him herself after another person. This is process of attaining success through the accomplishments of an external agent. This external agent may be another person, a group or an object. This is done in fantasy or actual behavior. If used in moderation, identification is both helpful an stimulating and it frequently leads to superior achievement.
Parents, teachers, movie heroes and fictional characters may be the objects of identification. Social groups and prized possessions may also become objects of identification from which an individual may derive satisfactions and security. For example, students bask in the glory of our basketball team, or our dear Alma mater.