Defense Mechanisms Flashcards
Id
basic instincts of an individual; the id seeks its gratifiction
ego
conscious and unconscious mediator of our existence; allows us to perceive realistically, remember accurately, think logically, act skillfully, anticipate consequences, and utilize defense mechanisms
superego
moral conscience; the superego is unconscious and internalized at an early age. Failure to develop a superego results in sociopathic behavior
3 levels of the mind? (consciousness)
- conscious - always available and accessible to the individual
- unconscious - couldn’t be accessed by individuals but manifested itself in behaviors
- preconscious - bridge between the conscious and unconscious (via dreams/fantasies)
What is anxiety? What causes it?
Response to distress in the mind (caused from conflict between Id and superego)
What is charged with negotiating the conflict with defense mechanisms?
the ego
When stressors affect us, what competes with what to make defense mechanisms?
limbic system with the cortex
acting out and denial
less mature
devaluation and idealization
attributing exaggerated (neg/positive) qualities to one’s self and others. Most people prone to one is prone to the other
LESS MATURE
dissociation
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
splitting
compartmentalizing opposite emotional states and failing to integrate the positive and negative qualities of individuals into a cohesive picture
LESS MATURE
help-rejecting complaining
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
projection
falsely attributing to another his or her own unacceptable feelings, impulses, or thoughts
LESS MATURE
displacement
transferring a feeling about, or response to, an object onto another (usually less threatening) subordinate object
moderately mature/neurotic
identification
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
intellectualization
excessive use of abstract thinking or the making of generalizations to control or minimize disturbing feelings
neurotic/moderately mature
introjection
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
isolation of affect
separation of ideas from the feelings originally associated with them (at the moment, there is no emotions shown, can happen later)
neurotic/moderately mature
passive aggression
indirectly show aggression; can be used for coping with subordination
neurotic/moderately mature
rationalization
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
reaction formation
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
repression
expelling disturbing thoughts or experiences from conscious awareness; this is unconscious but it can be uncovered
neurotic
undoing
making amends symbolically for unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or actions
neurotic
altruism
copes with dedication to meeting the needs of others
mature
anticipation
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
humor
MATURE :)
sublimation
channeling potentially maladaptive feelings into socially acceptable behaviors (ex: aggression into exercise)
suppression
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!!!!!!!!!!
