Defense Mechanisms Flashcards
Process by which content is separated from repressed affect
Intellectualization
“I didn’t have time to go to the gym because I had to make dinner for my kids”
Rationalization
A man attends anger management classes but states that he doesn’t have a problem
Denial
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/opinion
Rationalization
A woman decides to become a psychologist because her mom is one
Identification
Refusing to let into awareness unacceptable thoughts. feelings, and emotions
Repression
A college student won’t eat/sleep until all his work is done
Ascetism
When effect is transferred from one object to another
Displacement
A woman recently diagnosed w/depression focuses on learning about the sx of depression instead of expressing her feelings
Intellectualization
Process by which qualities of an external object are absorbed into one’s personality. Can result from introjection/internalization over time.
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 his kids more often
Displacement
The “taking in” or “swallowing whole” of a characteristic/trait of another person or outside events. Over time this can lead to identification
Introjection
Placing unacceptable impulses from person to another
Projection
Displacing unacceptable instincts for constructive and socially acceptable behaviors
Sublimation
Process by which we avoid being punished for undesirable thoughts/actions
Undoing
“I’m going to stand up to the bully by being strong like my dad!”
Introjection
A man with a lot of aggressive energy becomes a professional rugby player
Sublimation
A woman is 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/events
Denial
