Defense Mechanisms

Question 1

 Regression

Answer 1

returning to an earlier, more primitive form of behaviour

Question 2

 Repression

Answer 2

unconscious forgetting of parts or all of an experience

Question 3

Denial

Answer 3

unconscious refusal to allow painful facts, feelings, or perceptions into awareness

Question 4

Rationalization

Answer 4

offering an excuse or explanation for unacceptable behaviour

Question 5

 Projection

Answer 5

blaming faults on others

Question 6

Displacement

Answer 6

redirecting feelings onto an object or person

Question 7

Intellectualization

Answer 7

unconscious focussing on only intellectual aspects, rather than emotional aspects

Question 8

Reaction formation

Answer 8

unconscious assuming of traits opposite of undesirable behaviours

Question 9

Sublimation

Answer 9

redirecting socially unacceptable unconscious thoughts and feelings into socially approved outlets

Question 10

Undoing

Answer 10

verbal expression or actions representing one feeling, followed by an expression of the direct opposite

Question 11

Acting out

Answer 11

emotional conflicts dealt with through actions

Question 12

Splitting

Answer 12

seeing or experiencing things as polar opposites

Question 13

Suppression

Answer 13

avoiding thinking about feelings or thoughts that cause anxiety