Defense Mechanisms Flashcards
The process by which content is separated from repressed affect.
Ex. A woman recently diagnosed with depression focuses on learning about the symptoms of depression instead of expressing her feelings.
Intellectualization
Distorting reality and not acknowledging emotions or events.
Ex. A man attends anger management classes but states that he doesn’t have a problem.
Denial
Using plausible reasons to justify an action or opinion.
Ex. I didn’t have time to go to the gym because I had to make dinner for my kids.
Rationalization
Characterized as rigor or self-denial.
Ex. A college student won’t eat or sleep until all his work is done.
Asceticism
Refusing to let into awareness unacceptable thoughts, feelings, emotions.
Ex. I’m afraid of snakes, but I’m noy sure why.
Repression
Unacceptable feelings are expressed as their opposite.
Ex. A boy who is interested in a girl acts aloof and disinterested when she is around.
Reaction Formation
The process by which qualities of an external object are absorbed into one’s personality.
Ex. A woman decides to become a psychologist because her mom is one.
Identification
When affect is transferred from one object to another.
Ex. A father who lost his job finds himself yelling at his kids more often.
Displacement
Placing unacceptable impulses from one person to another.
Ex. A woman is unfaithful but accuses her husband of cheating on her.
Projection
Displacing unacceptable instincts for constructive and socially acceptable behaviors.
Ex. A man with a lot of aggressive energy becomes a professional rugby player.
Sublimation
