Strategies used to handle stressful situations DEFENSE MECHANISMS

Strategies used to handle stressful situations DEFENSE MECHANISMS

DENIAL u. Refusal reality Example: Carol’s dog, that she has had since she was a small child, has died. She refuses to accept the dogs death and continues to act as if the dog is still alive. to accept

PROJECTION u An attempt to protect one’s self – esteem by blaming unpleasant feelings or inappropriate actions on others. u Example: Getting a bad grade and blaming it on the teacher’s dislike for you. u Evading personal responsibility.

ESCAPE or FANTASY u Running away from problems through daydreams, books and excessive sleep.

DISPLACEMENT u Expressing feelings toward someone or something not associated with the source of the feelings. u Example: Slamming the door to your room or being mad at a parent and taking it out on a friend.

RATIONALIZATION u u Attempting to justify one’s actions with an excuse rather than by admitting one’s failure or mistake. Example: Anne justifies flunking her math test because she was absent the day it was scheduled.

REPRESSION u Blocking out thoughts about unpleasant things or experiencesforgetting on purpose. u Example: An unconscious method of escaping something unpleasant, like a bad accident or going to the dentist.

REGRESSION Retreating to an earlier time that seems less threatening and requires less responsibility.

IDENTIFICATION Acting like or modeling one’s behavior after a person on likes. It is a form of hero worship.

COMPENSATION u An attempt to make up for something one did not have, or did not receive. u Example: Tim is not very good at basketball, but he is a first-rate swimmer.

SUBLIMATION u Transforming unacceptable behaviors into acceptable ones. This can involve redirecting specific behaviors. u Example: Jack is always fighting with people. He redirects his energy as a member of the wrestling team.