Defensive Mechanisms Human Behavior Personality What are Defensive
Defensive Mechanisms Human Behavior Personality
What are Defensive Mechanisms? • Defensive Mechanisms are tools we use to reduce and cope with anxiety in our lives.
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.
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 failed a test because you didn’t kiss up to the teacher, when the real reason was you didn’t study.
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 don’t get your way.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Denial • Definition: You completely reject thoughts and feelings that cause you anxiety. • Example: Denying that your doctor’s diagnosis of cancer is correct and demanding to seek a second opinion.
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, “You’re just stupid”. • Example: Accusing your friend of being an alcoholic when you’re the one with a drinking problem.
5. Displacement • Definition: Taking out anger/impulses on a less threatening target. • Example: Slamming a door instead of hitting a person when you’re really mad. • Example: Yelling at your teammate after an argument with your coach. • Example: Screaming at your brother after your dad makes you angry.
7. Reaction Formation • Definition: You turn your feeling into it’s 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.
- Slides: 11