Defense Mechanisms

Question 1

Plausible reasons justify an action or opinion - helps person cope by blaming external circumstances

Answer 1

Rationalization

Question 2

Refuses to let into awareness unacceptable impulses but remains unconsciously operative in behavior

Answer 2

Repression

Question 3

Affect is transferred from one object to another

Answer 3

Displacement

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Identification

Question 5

Process by which content is separated from repressed affect

Answer 5

Intellectualization

Question 6

Characterized by rigor and self-denial (e.g. self-punishment)

Answer 6

Asceticism

Question 7

Process by which unacceptable impulses are expressed as their opposites - helps release anxiety/guilt associated with true impulse

Answer 7

Reaction Formation

Question 8

The internalization of outside events or characteristics of others (e.g. victim taking on aggressor’s bx to protect self)

Answer 8

Introjection and Internalization

Question 9

Places unacceptable feelings from the person feeling them onto another person

Answer 9

Projection

Question 10

Distorts reality and does not acknowledge emotion

Answer 10

Denial

Question 11

Replaces unacceptable instincts with constructive and socially acceptable behaviors

Answer 11

Sublimation

Question 12

Process by which punishment is avoided for undesirable thoughts/actions (e.g. buying gift for partner cheated on)

Answer 12

Undoing