How can i tell which defense mechanisms are positive and which are negative?

Answer 1

All defense mechanisms can be positive or negative. They are all negative when they cause a person to lose their sense of reality.

Answer 2

I'm very much a pragmatist, so I'll give you two indications I'd use to determine which are positive or negative:

1) Which ones work? If the defense mechanism does its job and protects you from the full brunt of the stressor you're trying to cope with, without producing additional stress as a result of the behavior itself, then it's obviously better than one that does you no good at all or which simply adds to your load. So any self-destructive behavior, or withdrawal, or even denial, are examples of bad mechanisms under this rule.

2) Which ones can you let go of once the stressful event is past? With certain traumatic experiences, it may take time to get past the trauma and get on with your life, but ultimately, the defense mechanism you use to get past it must be easy to rid oneself of afterwards. So an addiction to a controlled substance, or eating, or sex, are all examples of bad defense mechanisms in this model, because you're trading the stress of the trauma for the stress of needing another fix.

Answer 3

You would have to look at a psychology book, but such defenses as projection, projective idenification, omnipotent control, and devaluation are considered more primative defenses, versus sublimation, which is considered secondary, or a more mature defense. I think that there are about seventeen or so defenses.

Answer 4

Defense mechanisms are always positive. That's why we have them: they protect us from severe mental harm.

Answer 5

look at the results you are getting from your behaviors

Answer 6

all can be good or bad. it's all about the perspective.