FINISHED Defense mechanisms

Question 1

What are the primitive or “less adaptive” defense mechanisms? (6)

Answer 1

Denial, regression, acting out, dissociation, projection, reaction formation

Question 2

Denial

Answer 2

Doesn’t acknowledge reality

Question 3

Regression

Answer 3

Regresses back to an earlier function in “psychological time” (child-like, immature behaviors, etc.)

Question 4

Dissociation

Answer 4

Losing track of time, place, or situation

Question 5

Projection

Answer 5

Attributing feelings or emotions to another

Question 6

Reaction formation

Answer 6

Converting unwanted feelings to their opposite

Question 7

What are the “fairly adaptive” defense mechanisms? (5)

Answer 7

Repression, displacement, intellectualization, rationalization, undoing

Question 8

Repression

Answer 8

Unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts or feelings

Question 9

Displacement

Answer 9

Directing feelings toward another person

Question 10

Intellectualization

Answer 10

Overemphasis of thinking to avoid difficult feelings

Question 11

Rationalization

Answer 11

Creating a reframe to protect against difficult feelings

Question 12

Undoing

Answer 12

Attempt to take back expression of feeling by doing the opposite

Question 13

What are the “mature” defenses? (4)

Answer 13

Sublimation (including humor/fantasy), compensation, embracing capacity without psychological emphasis on deficits, altruism, assertiveness

Question 14

Sublimation

Answer 14

Channeling unacceptable feelings into acceptable activity, often that is helpful or productive; humor and fantasy are forms of sublimation

Question 15

Compensation

Answer 15

Embracing capacity without psychological emphasis on deficits

Question 16

Altruism

Answer 16

Practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others

Question 17

Assertiveness

Answer 17

Firm, direct, respectful expression of needs and feelings