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