defense mechanisms examples

Question 0

“Forgetting” a loved one’s birthday after a fight.

Answer 0

Repression

Question 1

The alcoholic states,”I can quit anytime I want to.”

Answer 1

Denial

Question 2

Patients who have been sexually abused as a child may describe the situation as if it happened to friends or siblings. Police officers visit parents to inform them of their child’s death in a car accident. Parent tells police,”That’s impossible, my child is upstairs asleep. You must have the wrong house.”

Answer 2

Dissociation

Question 3

“I didn’t make a medication error, I followed the Doctor’s order.” “I failed the test because the teacher wrote bad questions.”

Answer 3

Rationalizing

Question 4

The small boy who wants to be a basketball center becomes an honor roll student instead. The physically unattractive person who wants to model becomes a famous designer instead.

Answer 4

Compensation

Question 5

The small boy who wants to be a basketball center may become a political voice to decrease the emphasis on sports in elementary schools. The physically unattractive person who wants to be a model may speak out about the elimination of beauty pageants.

Answer 5

Reaction formation (overcompensation)

Question 6

Children who are toilet trained begin wetting the bed. Adults who start crying and have a temper tantrum.

Answer 6

Regression

Question 7

Burglar teaches home safety classes. Person who is potentially physically abusive becomes professional sports figure. People who choose not to have children run a daycare.

Answer 7

Sublimation

Question 8

“I didn’t get the promotion because you don’t like me.” “I’m overweight because you make me nervous.”

Answer 8

Projection (Scapegoating)

Question 9

Parent loses a job without notice; goes home and verbally abuses spouse; spouse unjustly punishes child; child slaps the dog.

Answer 9

Displacement (Transference)

Question 10

Giving a treat to a child who is being punished for a wrongdoing. The person who sees someone lose a wallet and doesn’t return it but puts extra in the collection plate at the next church service.

Answer 10

Restitution (Undoing)

Question 11

“I wasn’t really angry just a little upset.”

Answer 11

Isolation

Question 12

Nausea develops the night before a major exam, causing the person to miss it. Nausea may disappear soon after the exam is over.

Answer 12

Conversion reaction

Question 13

“I can’t go to the class reunion tonight. I’m just so tired that I have to sleep.”

Answer 13

Avoidance