The active (verb) version of the word (noun) - "Mentalization". Most of the information about mentalising is at Mentalization.

In fact, as Mentalization is something that people DO, rather than a "Thing" that is either present or absent, Mentalizing is the preferred word.

Verb not noun!

Like "Mentalize", this is actually a better word than Mentalization as it is a VERB - and mentalization is something that we DO rather than a thing we have or do not have.'

The main details for understanding this concept are to be found at Mentalization.

To "Mentalize"

"Mentalizing a problem" implies reaching (via imaginative, curious, tentative enquiry) for an understanding of the behaviours of the other person (or oneself) that "makes sense of" these in terms of their intentional mental state at the time.

"My mother is screaming at me now because she has been very worried for my safety and because she wants to know that I am growing up to be able to look after myself properly, and manage any future relationships responsibly; i.e. to understand that treating people as I have just treated her is not alright. After I spoke to her six hours ago and said I would be back in a few minutes, she became increasingly worried when I did not turn up until now... she wants me to understand how difficult it will be for me if I do not learn this lesson at this stage in my life..."

Would that all late-returning adolescents were able to Mentalize a situation so accurately!