Defense Mechanisms Med Term List

Question 1

Defense Mechanism

Answer 1

A special category of responses that humans employ to deal with conflict, problems, and threats to self-esteem.

Question 2

Compensation

Answer 2

Attempting to meet a need by substituting something that does not actually satisfy the need.

Question 3

Denial

Answer 3

Pretend that something is true, especially something unpleasant.

Question 4

Displacement

Answer 4

Transferring feelings that someone has about one person to a different person.

Question 5

Malingering

Answer 5

Pretending to be ill when one is not.

Question 6

Projection

Answer 6

Failing to see one’s own weaknesses or problems while seeing them in others.

Question 7

Rationalization

Answer 7

Explaining behavior by using a socially acceptable reason.

Question 8

Regression

Answer 8

Behaving in ways that are more appropriate for a younger person.

Question 9

Repression

Answer 9

Keeping unpleasant thoughts or memories in the subconscious and out of awareness.

Question 10

Withdrawal

Answer 10

Refusing to communicate with others or participate in social events.