Defense Mechanisms

Question 1

Id

Answer 1

basic instincts of an individual; the id seeks its gratifiction

Question 2

ego

Answer 2

conscious and unconscious mediator of our existence; allows us to perceive realistically, remember accurately, think logically, act skillfully, anticipate consequences, and utilize defense mechanisms

Question 3

superego

Answer 3

moral conscience; the superego is unconscious and internalized at an early age. Failure to develop a superego results in sociopathic behavior

Question 4

3 levels of the mind? (consciousness)

Answer 4

1. conscious - always available and accessible to the individual
2. unconscious - couldn’t be accessed by individuals but manifested itself in behaviors
3. preconscious - bridge between the conscious and unconscious (via dreams/fantasies)

Question 5

What is anxiety? What causes it?

Answer 5

Response to distress in the mind (caused from conflict between Id and superego)

Question 6

What is charged with negotiating the conflict with defense mechanisms?

Answer 6

the ego

Question 7

When stressors affect us, what competes with what to make defense mechanisms?

Answer 7

limbic system with the cortex

Question 8

acting out and denial

Answer 8

less mature

Question 9

devaluation and idealization

Answer 9

attributing exaggerated (neg/positive) qualities to one’s self and others. Most people prone to one is prone to the other

LESS MATURE

Question 10

dissociation

Answer 10

breakdown of consciousness, memory, perception of self or hte environment (often by traumatized patients; “out of body” experience)….multiple instances can lead to DID (dissociative identity disorder)

LESS MATURE

Question 11

splitting

Answer 11

compartmentalizing opposite emotional states and failing to integrate the positive and negative qualities of individuals into a cohesive picture

LESS MATURE

Question 12

help-rejecting complaining

Answer 12

complaining/making repeptitious request for help that disguise covert feelings of hostility or reproach toward tohers, which are then expressed by rejecting the suggestions, advice, or help offered by others; the “yeah, but…” excuse

LESS MATURE

Question 13

projection

Answer 13

falsely attributing to another his or her own unacceptable feelings, impulses, or thoughts

LESS MATURE

Question 14

displacement

Answer 14

transferring a feeling about, or response to, an object onto another (usually less threatening) subordinate object

moderately mature/neurotic

Question 15

identification

Answer 15

accompanying separation from or loss of an object (real or threatened) by identifying with the loved object

ex: OUTWARD physical putting on of things to resemble object, children dressing like parents, NOT introjection

neurotic/moderately mature

Question 16

intellectualization

Answer 16

excessive use of abstract thinking or the making of generalizations to control or minimize disturbing feelings

neurotic/moderately mature

Question 17

introjection

Answer 17

INTERNALIZING qualities of an object/person often obliterating the distinction between the individual and the object
ex: stockholm syndrome, children using playing doctor after hospital visit

neurotic/moderately mature

Question 18

isolation of affect

Answer 18

separation of ideas from the feelings originally associated with them (at the moment, there is no emotions shown, can happen later)

neurotic/moderately mature

Question 19

passive aggression

Answer 19

indirectly show aggression; can be used for coping with subordination

neurotic/moderately mature

Question 20

rationalization

Answer 20

concealing true motivations for his or her own thoughts, actions, or feelings through the elaboration of reassuring or self-serving, but incorrect explanations

moderately mature/neurotic

Question 21

reaction formation

Answer 21

substituting behavior, thoughts, or feelings diametrically opposed to his/her own unacceptable thoughts or feelings (ex: brown-nosing when you actually don’t like anything going on)

neurotic

Question 22

repression

Answer 22

expelling disturbing thoughts or experiences from conscious awareness; this is unconscious but it can be uncovered

neurotic

Question 23

undoing

Answer 23

making amends symbolically for unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or actions

neurotic

Question 24

altruism

Answer 24

copes with dedication to meeting the needs of others

mature

Question 25

anticipation

Answer 25

experiencing emotional reactions in advance of or anticipating consequences of possible future events and considering realistic, alt responses (i.e. future loss of a family member, possibly failing an exam)

mature

Question 26

humor

Answer 26

MATURE :)

Question 27

sublimation

Answer 27

channeling potentially maladaptive feelings into socially acceptable behaviors (ex: aggression into exercise)

Question 28

suppression

Answer 28

INTENTIONALLY avoiding thoughts related to stress…intent is important! every other defense mech just happens (unconscious)…this is the only defense mechanism a person has control over!!!!!!!!!!