Defensive Mechanisms

1
Defensive Mechanisms

• Human Behavior
• Personality

2
What are Defensive Mechanisms?

• Defensive Mechanisms are tools we use to reduce
  and cope with anxiety in our lives.

3
Defensive Mechanisms

• Defensive mechanisms have two primary
  characteristics
• They distort and deny reality
• They operate unconsciously, so that we are
  unaware that we are using them to protect the ego
  and reduce anxiety
• There are 8 defensive mechanisms.

4
1. Rationalization

• Definition You come up with various explanations
  to justify the situation (while denying your
  feelings). Or supplying a logical or rational
  reason as apposed to the real reason.
• Example Stating you were failed a test because
  you didn't kiss up to the teacher, when the real
  reason was you didn't study.

5
2. Regression

• Definition Returning to a previous immature
  stage of development.
• Example Sitting in a corner and crying after
  hearing bad news.
• Example Throwing a temper tantrum when you dont
  get your way.

6
3. Projection

• Definition When we attribute our own feelings,
  shortcomings, or unacceptable impulses to others.
  Or placing unacceptable impulses in yourself onto
  someone else.
• Example When losing an argument, you state,
  Youre just stupid.
• Example Accusing your friend of being an
  alcoholic when youre the one with a drinking
  problem.

7
4. Repression

• Definition When we exclude painful, unwanted or
  dangerous thoughts and impulses for our conscious
  mind. We put events/situations into the
  unconscious.
• Example Forgetting a bad dog attack from your
  childhood due to the trauma and anxiety in caused.

8
5. Displacement

• Definition Taking out anger/impulses on a less
  threatening target.
• Example Slamming a door instead of hitting a
  person when youre really mad.
• Example Yelling at your teammate after an
  argument with your coach.
• Example Screaming at your brother after your dad
  makes you angry.

9
6. Sublimation

• Definition Acting out unacceptable impulses in a
  socially acceptable way.
• Example A person who turns aggressive impulses
  into becoming a boxing fan.
• Example Lifting weights to release pent up
  energy.
• Example Writing a poem about shame and anger
  instead of starting a fight.

10
7. Reaction Formation

• Definition You turn your feeling into its
  opposite. Taking the opposite belief because the
  true belief causes anxiety.
• Example Hating a particular race or culture and
  then embracing that race or culture to the
  extreme.

11
8. Denial

• Definition You completely reject thoughts and
  feelings that cause you anxiety.
• Example Denying that your doctors diagnosis of
  cancer is correct and demanding to seek a second
  opinion.