Defense mechanisms Flashcards
What is the Id according to Freud?
The Id is the part of the psyche that contains all the basic instincts and desires, including sexual and violent urges.
What role does the Superego play in Freud’s theory?
The Superego serves as a moral compass, imposing restrictions on the desires of the Id.
Define repression in the context of Freud’s psychoanalysis.
Repression is the process of pushing unacceptable desires and thoughts out of conscious awareness.
What metaphor does Freud use to describe repression?
Freud uses the metaphor of pushing down water leaks with towels to illustrate repression.
How do repressed desires manifest according to Freud?
Repressed desires can spill out in jokes, slips of the tongue, and dreams.
What are defense mechanisms in Freud’s theory?
Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies used by the ego to protect itself from anxiety caused by unacceptable impulses from the Id.
What is displacement?
Displacement is redirecting shameful thoughts or feelings to more acceptable targets.
Give an example of displacement.
A boy who hates his father might bully another child instead.
Define sublimation.
Sublimation is the process of transforming unacceptable desires into socially acceptable activities.
Give an example of sublimation.
Someone with strong sexual desires might focus intensely on work or studies.
What is projection?
Projection is attributing one’s own unacceptable impulses to someone else to reduce anxiety.
Give an example of projection.
A woman with homosexual desires may believe other women are attracted to her.
What does rationalization involve?
Rationalization involves justifying anxiety-provoking thoughts in more acceptable terms.
Give an example of rationalization.
A father might believe he is punishing his children for their own good, despite enjoying it.
What is regression?
Regression is reverting to behaviors characteristic of an earlier developmental stage under stress.
