Defense mechanisms

Question 1

Defense mechanism

Answer 1

Ego’s protective methods of reducing anxiety by unconsciously distorting reality.

Question 2

Repression

Answer 2

Anxiety arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories are banished from consciousness. (e.g: repressed trauma)

Question 3

Denial

Answer 3

Inability to comprehend an anxiety-producing fact as true, even if evidence says otherwise (“IT’S STILL SUMMER GUYS RIGHT???”)

Question 4

Reaction formation

Answer 4

Expressing feelings that are the opposite of anxiety-arousing unconscious thoughts.

Question 5

Projection

Answer 5

Attributing one’s own characteristics onto others “YOUR DATING LIFE IS PRACTICALLY DEAD, MARGE!”

Question 6

Displacement

Answer 6

Redirecting aggressive or sexual impulses to a safer outlet “My boss yelled at me today so I’m gonna yell at you!!”

Question 7

Regression

Answer 7

Retreating to infantile psychosexual behaviors in reaction to stress or anxiety. e.g “I pout and cry when things don’t go my way.”

Question 8

Intellectualization

Answer 8

Over-emphasis on thinking to distance oneself from how they truly feel.

Question 9

Rationalization

Answer 9

Offering self-justifying explanations for an unideal situation. “I didn’t want to be friends with Marge anyways…”

Question 10

Sumblimination

Answer 10

Impulses are recharged into socially-appropriate situations. “My boss fired me so I will work extra hard to start my own business!” Art, fantasy, humor. Taking a deep breath when you’re angry.

Question 11

Compensation

Answer 11

Emphasizing a strength in other areas instead of weakness (does not have to be true.)

Question 12

Supression

Answer 12

Conscious repression; working to forget.

Question 13

Identification

Answer 13

Bolstering self-esteem by joining a real or imagined group. e.g becoming a cop to feel helpful; cosplay.