Defence Mechanisms Flashcards
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The refusal to accept reality or fact. Acting as though it does not exist. (characteristic of early child development)
Denial
Misplacement of a person’s undesired thoughts, feelings or impulses onto another person who does not have them. (ex. it is not okay to have these thoughts)
Projection
Reversing to an earlier stage of development in the face of unacceptable thoughts or impulses.
Regression
Putting something into a different light or offering a different explanation for one’s perceptions on behaviours in the face of a changing reality.
Rationalization
Person avoids the necessity of solving their problems by obtaining the sympathy of others. (Person gains attention!)
Sympathism
Reducing ego involvement and withdrawal into passivity to protect self from hurt. (remain emotionally unavailable and superficial relationships)
Emotional Insulation
Process of psychologically counterbalancing perceived weaknesses by emphasizing strength in other areas. (Ex. “making up for it here”. Helps reinforce self-esteem and self-image)
Compensation
Overemphasis on thinking when confronted with an unacceptable impulse, situation or behaviour without using any emotions whatsoever to help mediate and place the thoughts into an emotional, human context. (not dealing with the emotions and distancing themselves from the situation)
Intellectualization
Redirecting thoughts, feelings and impulses directed at one person or thing, but taking it out on another person or object. Person they are upset with, is not safe so they find a safer target to let their emotions out on.
Displacement
Unconscious unblocking of unacceptable thoughts, feelings and impulses. The key is that people do not have control over this.
Repression
Converting of unwanted or dangerous thoughts, feelings or impulses into their opposites.
Reaction Formation
