Chapter 1 : Defense Mechanisms Flashcards
Projection
When you project your impulses, behaviour, and thoughts onto someone else.
Example: “no one wants me on their team”
Repression
Preventing painful thoughts from entering consciousness.
Example: Elise, who was sexually abused as a child cannot remember the abuse at all.
Rationalization
Creating logical explanations.
Example: “if I don’t have breakfast, I can have the piece of cake later without hurting my diet.”
Reaction Formation
Preventing dangerous thoughts from being expressed by endorsing opposing attitudes.
Example: Matt is attracted to Ben, but outwardly expresses a hatred towards homosexuals.
Regression
Protects an individual by returning to an earlier, “safer” time of life.
Example: Due to the pressure of college, Tom starts sucking his thumb.
Displacement
Shifts ones unconscious aggression or fears to a safer target.
Example: Boss shouts at Jane, later that day Jane gets angry at husband.
Isolation
Separating the anxiety arousing parts of a situation from the rest of the psyche.
Example: a teenage boy gets into an accident with his bike, he stops riding bike, and never talks about it.
Sublimation
Dangerous urges are transformed into healthy, socially acceptable actions and emotions.
Example: Ellen, who is very aggressive becomes a professional hockey player.
Denial
Refusing to acknowledge a threatening situation.
Example: Ben is an alcoholic, who denies being an alcoholic.
