Defense Mechanisms

Question 1

Process by which content is separated from repressed

affect.

Answer 1

Intellectualization

Question 2

A man attends anger management classes but states that he doesn’t have a problem.

Answer 2

Denial

Question 3

“I didn’t have time to go to the gym because I had to make dinner for my kids.”

Answer 3

Rationalization

Question 4

Characterized by rigor and self-denial.

Answer 4

Asceticism

Question 5

“I’m afraid of snakes, but I’m not sure why.”

Answer 5

Repression

Question 6

Unacceptable feelings are expressed as their opposite.

Answer 6

Reaction Formation

Question 7

Using plausible reasons to justify an action or opinion.

Answer 7

Rationalization

Question 8

A woman decides to become a psychologist because her mom is one.

Answer 8

Identification

Question 9

Refusing to let into awareness unacceptable thoughts, feelings, emotions.

Answer 9

Repression

Question 10

A college student won’t eat or sleep until all his work is done.

Answer 10

Asceticism

Question 11

When affect is transferred from one object to another.

Answer 11

Displacement

Question 12

A woman recently diagnosed with depression focuses on learning about the symptoms of depression instead of expressing her feelings.

Answer 12

Intellectualization

Question 13

Process by which qualities of an external object are absorbed into one’s personality.

Answer 13

Identification

Question 14

A boy is interested in a girl but acts aloof and disinterested when around her.

Answer 14

Reaction Formation

Question 15

A father who lost his job finds himself yelling at his kids more often.

Answer 15

Displacement

Question 16

The “taking in” or “swallowing whole” a characteristic or trait of another person or outside events.

Answer 16

Introjection

Question 17

Placing unacceptable impulses from one person to another.

Answer 17

Projection

Question 18

Displacing unacceptable instincts for constructive and socially acceptable behaviors.

Answer 18

Sublimation

Question 19

Process by which we avoid being punished for undesirable thoughts or actions.

Answer 19

Undoing

Question 20

“I’m going to stand up to the bully by being strong like my Dad.”

Answer 20

Internalization

Question 21

A man with a lot of aggressive energy becomes a professional rugby player.

Answer 21

Sublimation

Question 22

A woman is unfaithful but accuses her husband of cheating on her.

Answer 22

Projection

Question 23

A teenager gets into a loud argument with his parents but then cleans up his room without being asked.

Answer 23

Undoing

Question 24

Distorting reality and not acknowledging emotions or events.

Answer 24

Denial