Ego Defenses Flashcards
covering up a real or perceived weakness by emphasizing a trait one considers more desirable
compensation
refusing to acknowledge the existence of a real situation or the feelings associated with it
denial
the transfer of feelings from one target to another that is considered less threatening or that is neutral
displacement
an attempt to increase self-worth by acquiring certain attributes and characteristics of an individual one admires
identification
an attempt to avoid expressing actual emotions associated with a stressful situation by using the intellectual processes of logic, reasoning, and analysis
intellectualization
integrating the beliefs and values of another individual into one’s own ego structure
introjection
separating a thought or memory from the feeling, tone, or emotion associated with it
isolation
attributing feelings or impulses unacceptable to one’s self to another person
projection
attempting to make excuses or formulate logical reasons to justify unacceptable feelings or behaviors
rationalization
preventing unacceptable or undesirable thoughts or behaviors from being expressed by exaggerating opposite thoughts or types of behaviors
reaction formation
as a stress response, retreating to an earlier level of development and the comfort measures associated with that earlier level of functioning
regression
INVOLUNTARY blocking unpleasant feelings and experiences from one’s awareness
repression
re-channeling of drives or impulses that are socially or personally unacceptable into activities that are constructive
sublimation
the VOLUNTARY blocking of unpleasant feelings and experiences from one’s awareness
suppression
symbolically negating or canceling out an experience that one finds intolerable
undoing
