Defensive Mechanisms

Human BehaviorPersonality

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 were 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

8. 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.