Defence mechanisms

Question 1

Compensation

Answer 1

Covering up weaknesses by emphasising a more desirable trait or by overachievement in a more comfortable area.

Question 2

Denial

Answer 2

An attempt to screen or ignore unacceptable realities by refusing to acknowledge them.

Question 3

Displacement

Answer 3

The transferring or discharging of emotional reactions from one object or person to another object or person

Question 4

Identification

Answer 4

An attempt to manage anxiety by imitating the behaviour of someone feared or respected.

Question 5

Intellectualisation

Answer 5

A mechanism by which an emotional response that normally would accompany an uncomfortable or painful incident is evaded using rational explanations that remove from the incident any personal significance and feelings.

Question 6

Introjection

Answer 6

A form of identification that allows for the acceptance of others’ norms and values into oneself, even when contrary to one’s previous assumptions.

Question 7

Minimisation

Answer 7

Not acknowledging the significance of one’s behaviour.

Question 8

Projection

Answer 8

A process in which blame is attached to others or the environment for unacceptable desires, thoughts, shortcomings, and mistakes.

Question 9

Rationalisation

Answer 9

justification of certain behaviours by faulty logic and ascription of motives that are socially acceptable but did not in fact inspire the behaviour.

Question 10

Reaction formation

Answer 10

A mechanism that causes people to act exactly opposite to the way they feel.

Question 11

Regression

Answer 11

Resorting to an earlier, more comfortable level of functioning that is characteristically less demanding and responsible.

Question 12

Repression

Answer 12

An unconscious mechanism by which threatening thoughts, feelings, and desires are kept from becoming conscious; the repressed material is denied entry into consciousness.

Question 13

Sublimation

Answer 13

Displacement of energy associated with more primitive sexual or aggressive drives into socially acceptable activities.

Question 14

Substitution

Answer 14

The replacement of a highly valued, unacceptable, or unavailable object by a less valuable, acceptable, or available object.

Question 15

Undoing

Answer 15

An action or words designed to cancel some disapproved thoughts, impulses, or acts in which the person relieves guilt by making reparation.