Defense mechanisms

Question 1

Denial

Answer 1

Refusal to accept reality or or fact, acting as if a painful event, thought or feeling did not exist.

Question 2

Regression

Answer 2

Reversion to an earlier stage of development in the face of unacceptable thoughts or impulses

Question 3

Acting out

Answer 3

Performing an extreme behaivor in order to express thoughts or feelings the person feels incapable of otherwise expressing.

Question 4

Dissociation

Answer 4

When a person looses track of time/and or person, and instead finds another representation of their self in order to continue in the moment.

Question 5

Compartmentalization

Answer 5

The lesser form of dissociation, wherein parts of oneself are separated from awareness of other parts and behaiving as if one has a separate set of values.

Question 6

Projection

Answer 6

Misattribution of a person’s undesired thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto another person who does not have those thoughts, feelings or impulses.

Question 7

Reaction formation

Answer 7

The converting of unwanted dangerous thoughts, feelings or impulses into their opposites.

Question 8

Repression

Answer 8

The unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts, feelings or impulses.

Question 9

Displacement

Answer 9

The redirecting of thoughts, feelings or impulses directed at one person or object, but taken out apon another person or object.

Question 10

Intellectualization

Answer 10

The overemphasis on thinking when confronted with and unacceptable situation, impulse or behaivor without employing any emotions whatsoever to help mediate and place the thoughts into an emotional, human context.

Question 11

Rationalization

Answer 11

Putting something into a different light, or offering a different explanation for one’s perceptions or behaviors in the face of changing reality.

Question 12

Undoing

Answer 12

The attempt to take back an unconscious behaivor or thought that is unacceptable or hurtful.

Question 13

Sublimation

Answer 13

A type of mature defense mechanism in which one simply channels unacceptable impulses, thoughts and emotions into more acceptable ones.

Question 14

Compensation

Answer 14

A type of mature defense mechanism in which one psychologically counterbalances perceived weaknesses by emphasizing strength in other areas.

Question 15

Assertiveness

Answer 15

A type of mature defense mechanism in which a person emphasizes their needs or thoughts ina way that is respectful, direct, and firm.