Victimhood can become a part of a person's identity, but it is a learned behavior and can be changed. It often evolves as a defense mechanism to cope with adverse life events. People who constantly blame other people or situations for the events in their lives have a victim mentality.

Blaming others (i.e. projection) is more common in those who are experiencing negative feelings and are unable to regulate their emotions. Awareness of the dynamics of projection may help us feel less responsible for others’ mistakes, even when they point the finger of blame at us.