Defense Mechanism

Question 1

Anticipation

Answer 1

Anticipation is a mature psychological defense mechanism that involves the realistic planning for future inner discomfort. … As a psychological defense mechanism, Denial is one of the most primitive (sometimes called “psychotic”) and immature mechanisms available to the

Question 2

Autistic fantasy

Answer 2

Autistic fantasy is a defense mechanism that uses daydreaming and fantastical thinking as a method for coping with stress. It may replace real social interactions and behaviors with fantasies and daydreams which is not healthy.

Question 3

Projection

Answer 3

Example: John becomes attracted to a coworker and begins having sexual dreams/fantasies about her. Because he believes that such fantasies are morally wrong, John cannot accept their existence. To protect himself, John projects these feelings onto his wife (unconsciously). He denies feeling any attraction towards his coworker and begins to believe that his wife is carrying on an affair.

Question 4

Projective identification

Answer 4

Jane tells her therapist about how she was rejected from another job interview and begins feeling extreme disappointment and hopelessness. Because she believes that she must be upbeat and optimistic at all times, Jane cannot accept her own feelings. To protect herself, Jane unconsciously projects these feelings onto her therapist. She denies feeling any negativity and begins to believe that her therapist is disappointed in her and hopeless about her future. Although the therapist was initially moved to feel empathy for Jane’s plight, he begins to feel increasingly frustrated and pessimistic about the situation. (The therapist’s feelings and beliefs are likely being influenced by Jane’s behavior, but the whole process occurs largely outside of the conscious awareness of either party.)