Defense Mechanisms

Repression: Disturbing thoughts, wishes, and experiences are removed from conscious awareness and held in the unconscious mind. The repressed memories may produce feelings that the person is aware of, but the source of the feelings is not understood. Example: A boy was kidnapped by a noncustodial parent, but remembers none of it later on. As an adult, the man has feelings of mistrust toward caregivers, but doesnt understand why. Denial: A person refuses to acknowledge painful information that is readily apparent to others. Example: Upon hearing that her younger brother was just killed in a car accident, a woman states This cant be happening; it must be a nightmare. Rationalization: An individual uses elaborate, reassuring, and self-serving explanations to justify a behavior and avoid feelings of guilt. The goal is to convince yourself that an action was justified, even though deep down you know it wasnt. Example: You drive past an elderly man stranded on the side of the road. When the guilt feelings start to rise, you think Its really not safe to stop to help a stranger these days. The thought gets repeated over and over until you begin to believe it. Displacement: Strong feelings (particularly aggressive feelings) are redirected toward a substitute target that is less threatening. Example: After a driver cuts you off in traffic, you slam your fist on the dashboard of your car (which is less threatening, because the car cant hit you back). Regression: A person avoids anxiety and threat by behaving like a child. This retreat allows the person to escape from strong emotion and avoid taking on adult responsibilities. Example: After a tornado, a man in his 20s is found clutching his blankey and sucking his thumb. Projection: Unacceptable feelings, thoughts, and impulses are falsely attributed to others so that you avoid acknowledging them as your own. Example: A woman who has unacknowledged feelings about cheating on her husband frequently suggests that people she works with have crushes on others in her office. Reaction Formation: A person deals with an unacceptable impulse by adopting a behavior that is the complete opposite of what cannot be accepted.

Example: A man has homosexual tendencies that he cant acknowledge to himself or others. He becomes very macho in his behavior and lashes out at any behavior in other men that seems gay. Sublimation: Unacceptable impulses (i.e., sexual and aggressive impulses) are redirected into a more constructive outlet. This is similar to displacement, but the outlet in sublimation is more constructive. Example: A person with unacceptable aggressive impulses becomes involved in a contact sport (like football or hockey) where the aggression can be channeled into team play. The result is more constructive than simply venting the aggression because it leads to personal and social development.