Defense Mechanisms

Question 1

denial

Answer 1

negation of reality/presence of a threat (physical or psychological) despite factual evidence

Question 2

projection

Answer 2

attributing one’s own thought/feelings (usually less desirable) to others

Question 3

repression

Answer 3

unconscious blocking from awareness thoughts, feelings, situations that are threatening or painful

Question 4

rationalization

Answer 4

excusing oneself; blaming others for one’s own mistakes

Question 5

identification

Answer 5

taking on characteristics/behaviors of one’s role model or idol

Question 6

splitting

Answer 6

failing to integrate the positive and negative characteristics of another

Question 7

compensation

Answer 7

making up for a perceived lack by focusing on another aspect of oneself

Question 8

displacement

Answer 8

transfer of feelings or rxns evoked from one event to a less threatening object/person

Question 9

regression

Answer 9

using behaviors associated with a previous development level

Question 10

sublimation

Answer 10

channeling of socially undesirable feelings/impulses into more accepted activities

Question 11

undoing

Answer 11

making amends/atonement for perceived wrong doings

Question 12

reaction formation

Answer 12

expression of feelings that are opposite of what one is actually feeling