Defense Mechanisms Flashcards
Identify the Defense Mechanism indicated by the phrase or sentence
Process by which content is separated from repressed affect.
Intellectualization
A man attends anger management classes but states that he doesn’t have a problem.
Denial
“I didn’t have time to go to the gym because I had to make dinner for my kids”.
Rationalization
Characterized by rigor and self-denial.
Asceticism
“I’m afraid of snakes, but I’m not sure why”.
Repression
Unacceptable feelings are expressed as their opposite.
Reaction Formation
Using plausible reasons to justify an action or opinion.
Rationalization
A woman decides to become a psychologist because her mom is one.
Identification
Refusing to let into awareness unacceptable thoughts, feelings, emotions.
Repression
A college student won’t eat or sleep until all his work is done.
Asceticism
When affect is transferred from one object to another.
Displacement
A woman recently diagnosed with depression focuses on learning about the symptoms of depression instead of expressing her feelings.
Intellectualization
Process by which qualities of an external object are absorbed into one’s personality.
Identification
A boy is interested in a girl but acts aloof and disinterested when around her.
Reaction Formation
A father who lost his job finds himself yelling at this kids more often.
Displacement
The “taking in” or “swallowing whole” a characteristic or trait of another person or outside events.
Introjection/internalization
Placing unacceptable impulses from on person to another.
Projection
Displacing unacceptable instincts for constructive and socially acceptable behaviors.
Sublimation
Process by which we avoid being punished for undesirable thoughts or actions.
Undoing
“I’m going to stand up to the bully by being strong like my dad”.
Introjection/internalization
A man with a lot of aggressive energy becomes a professional rugby player.
Sublimation
A woman in unfaithful but accuses her husband of cheating on her.
Projection
A teenager gets into a loud argument with his parents but then cleans up his room without being asked.
Undoing
Distorting reality and not acknowledging emotions or events.
Denial
