Defense Mechanism Flashcards
Compensation
Person attempts to overcome a perceived weakness by emphasizing a more desirable trait or overachieving in a more comfortable area
A student who has difficulty with academics may excel in sports is an example of?
Compensation
Denial
Person refuses to acknowledge the presence of a condition that is disturbing
Despite finding a lump in her breast, a woman does not seek medical attention is an example of?
Denial
Displacement
Person transfers (displaces) an emotional reaction from one object or person to another object or person
An employee who is angry with a coworker kicks a chair is an example of?
Displacement
Introjection
A person incorporates qualities or values of another person into one’s own ego structure. This mechanism is important in the formation of conscience during childhood
An older sibling tells his preschool sister not to talk to strangers, expressing his parent’s values to his younger sister is an example of?
Introjection
Projection
A person attributes thoughts or impulses to someone else
A person who denies any sexual feelings for a coworker accuses him of sexual harassment is an example of?
Projection
Rationalization
Person tries to give a logical or socially acceptable explanation for questionable behavior (“behavior justification”)
A patient who forgot to keep a health care appointment says, “If patients didn’t have to wait 3 months to get an appointment, they wouldn’t forget them” is an example of?
Rationalization
Reaction Formation
Person develops conscious attitudes and behavior patterns that are opposite to what he or she would really like to do
A married woman is attracted to her husband’s best friend but is constantly rude to him is an example of?
Reaction Formation
Regression
A person returns to an earlier method of behaving
