Give an example of the use of some of the defense mechanisms!?

Answer 1

Compensation. Compensation occurs when someone takes up one behavior because one cannot accomplish another behavior.

Denial. An ego defense mechanism that operates unconsciously to resolve emotional conflict, and to reduce anxiety by refusing to perceive the more unpleasant aspects of external reality;

Displacement. An unconscious defense mechanism, whereby the mind redirects emotion from a ‘dangerous’ object to a ‘safe’ object. In psychoanalytic theory, displacement is a defense mechanism that shifts sexual or aggressive impulses to a more acceptable or less threatening target; redirecting emotion to a safer outlet;

Intellectualization (isolation). Concentrating on the intellectual components of the situations as to distance oneself from the anxiety provoking emotions associated with these situations;

Projection. Attributing to others, one’s own unacceptable or unwanted thoughts and/or emotions. Projection reduces anxiety in the way that it allows the expression of the impulse or desire without letting the ego recognize it;

Rationalization. The process of constructing a logical justification for a decision that was originally arrived at through a different mental process;

Reaction formation. The converting of unconscious wishes or impulses that are perceived to be dangerous into their opposites;

Regression. The reversion to an earlier stage of development in the face of unacceptable impulses;

Repression. The process of pulling thoughts into the unconscious and preventing painful or dangerous thoughts from entering consciousness;

Sublimation. The refocusing of psychic energy (which Sigmund Freud believed was limited) away from negative outlets to more positive outlets. These drives which cannot find an outlet are rechanneled. In Freud’s classic theory, erotic energy is only allowed limited expression due to repression, and much of the remainder of a given group’s erotic energy is used to develop its culture and civilization. Freud considered this defense mechanism the most productive compared to the others that he identified. Sublimation is the process of transforming libido into ‘socially useful’ achievements, mainly art. Psychoanalysts often refer to sublimation as the only truly successful defense mechanism;

Undoing. A person tries to 'undo' a negative or threatening thought by their actions.

Suppression. The conscious process of pushing thoughts into the preconscious.

Dissociation. Separation or postponement of a feeling that normally would accompany a situation or thought.

Humor. Refocuses attention on the somewhat comical side of the situation as to relieve negative tension; similar to comic relief.

Idealization. Form of denial in which the object of attention is presented as "all good" masking true negative feelings towards the other.

Identification.The unconscious modeling of one's self upon another person's behavior.

Introjection. Identifying with some idea or object so deeply that it becomes a part of that person.

Inversion. Refocusing of aggression or emotions evoked from an external force onto one's self.

Somatization. Manifestation of emotional anxiety into physical symptoms.

Splitting. Primitive defense mechanism-when a person sees external objects or people as either "all good" or "all bad."

Substitution. When a person replaces one feeling or emotion for another.

Answer 2

Introjection Defense Mechanism Example

Answer 3

Undoing Defense Mechanism

Answer 4

give defense mechanisms

Answer 5

Melissa's answer seems so thorough, understandable... should be chosen as the best answer!

Nice Job, Melissa!

Answer 6

Wow there are sooo many-there is denial, avoidance, displacement, etc....

Answer 7

Fight or flight