5.2 Defense Mechanisms and Resistance Flashcards
Define defense mechanism
psychological maneuvers to cushion and protect the ego from
emotional shock. These unconscious mechanisms are not to be confused with conscious
coping strategies.
Define Denial
concept of reality being different than it is, when an individual is faced with a fact
that is too uncomfortable to accept, the individual rejects it and insists that the fact is not
true despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Define Displacement
shifting from a threatening target to a “safer one.” Re-directing anger,
resentment, or hostility toward a threatening individual/object to a less/non- threatening
person or object.
Define Ego
the psychological concept about the “I” of self.
Define Euphoric Recall
is a way in which users “romance the high” by remembering and
exaggerating the pleasurable experiences of past use, while blocking out painful and
unpleasant aspects of the memory.
Define Intellectualization
maintaining emotional distance by addressing an issue with a cognitive
perspective.
Define Mechanism
unconscious mental and emotional pattern that dominates behavior
Define Projection
blaming an outside source for what is originating from within.
Define Rationalization
justifying what is inappropriate by seeming legitimate reasons.
Define Reaction Formation
developing conscious attitudes and behaviors that are diametrically
opposed to present disturbing thought or desires.
Define Repression
unconsciously expelling events or memories from awareness.
Define Resistance
form of self-protection, evidenced by non-compliance with one’s truth.
(1) Resistance can be either unconscious or conscious.
Define Sublimation
refocusing an unacceptable urge into socially acceptable activity
Define Thought Suppression
intentionally avoiding thinking about disturbing problems, wishes,
feelings, or experiences.
