Psychodynamic - Defenses

Question 1

Compartmentalizing experiences of self and other such that integration is not possible. When the individual is confronted with the contradictions in behavior, thought, or affect, he/she regards the differences with bland denial or indifference. This defense presents conflict stemming from the incompatibility of the two polarized aspects of self or other. (Ex.; cannot integrate the postive and negative aspects of others- can only see them as all good or all bad).

Answer 1

Splitting (Primitive)

Question 2

Both an instrpsychic defense mechanism and an interpersonal communication, this phenomenon involes behaving in such a way that subtle interpersonal pressure is placed on another person to take on characteristics of an aspect of the self or an internal object that is projected into that person. The peron who is the target of the projection then begins to behave, think, and feel in keeping with what has been projected.

Answer 2

Projective Identification (Primitive)

Question 3

Perceiving and reacting to unacceptable inner impulses and their derivative as though they were outside the self. Differs from projective identification in that the target of the projection is not changed.

Answer 3

Projection (Primitive)

Question 4

Avoiding awareness of aspects of external reality that are difficult to face by disregarding the sensory data.

Answer 4

Denial (Primitive)

Question 5

Disrupting one’s sense of continuity in the areas of identity, memory, consciousness, or perception as a way of retaining an illusion of psychological control in the face of helplessness and loss of control. Although similar to splitting, ____________ may in extreme cases involve alteration of memory of events because of the disconnection of the self from the event.

Answer 5

Dissociation (Primitive)

Question 6

Attributing perfect or near perfect qualities to others as a way of avoiding anxiety or negative feelings such as contempt, envy, or anger.

Answer 6

Idealization (Primitive)

Question 7

Converting emotional pain or other affect states into physical symptoms and focusing one’s attention on somatic (rather than intrapsychic) concerns.

Answer 7

Somatization (Primitive)

Question 8

Returning to an ealier phase of development or functioning to avoid the conflicts and tensions associated with one’s present level of development.

Answer 8

Regression (Primitive)

Question 9

Retreating into one’s own private internal world to avoid anxiety about interpersonal situations.

Answer 9

Schizoid Fantasy (Primitive)

Question 10

Internalizing aspects of a significant eprson as a way of dealing with the loss of that person. One may also ____ a hostile or bad object as a way of giving one an illusion of contorl over the object. _____ occurs in non-defensive forms as a normal part of development

Answer 10

Introjection (Higher Level)

Question 11

Internalizing qualities of another person by becoming like the person. Whereas introjection leads to an internalized representation experienced as an “other,” identification is experienced as part of the “self.” This too, can serve non defensive functions in normal development.

Answer 11

Identification (Higher Level)

Question 12

Shift feelings associated with one idea or object to another that resembles the original in some way.

Answer 12

Displacement (Higher Level)

Question 13

Using excessive and abstract ideation to acoid difficult feelings.

Answer 13

Intellectualization (Higher Level)

Question 14

Separation an idea from its associated affect state to acoid emotional turmoil.

Answer 14

Isolation of Affect (Higher Level)

Question 15

Justification of unacceptable attitufes, beliefs, or behvaiors to make them tolderbale to oneself.

Answer 15

Rationalization (Higher Level)

Question 16

Endowing an object or behavior with sexual significance to turn a negative experience into an exciting and stimulating one, or to ward off anxieties associated with the object.

Answer 16

Sexualization (Higher Level)

Question 17

Transformation an inacceptable wish or impulse into its opposite.

Answer 17

Reaction Formation (Higher Level)

Question 18

Expelling unacceptable ideas or impulses or blocking them from entering consciousness. This defense differs from denial in that the latter is associated with external sensory data, whereas ________ is associated with inner states.

Answer 18

Repression (Higher Level)

Question 19

Attmpting to negate sexual, aggresive, or shameful implications from a previous comment or behavior by elaborating. clarifying, or doing the opposite.

Answer 19

Undoing (Higher Level)

Question 20

Finding comic and/or ironic elements in difficult situations to reduce unpleasant affect and personal discomfort. This mechanism also allows some distance and objectiity from events so that an individual can reflect on what is happening.

Answer 20

Humor (Mature)

Question 21

Consciously deciding not to attend to a particular feeling, state, or impulse. This defense differs from repression and denial in that it is conscious rather than unconscious.

Answer 21

Supression (Mature)

Question 22

Attempting to eliminate pleasurable aspects of experience because of internal conflicts produced by that pleaser. This mechanism can be in the service of transcendent or spiritual goals, such as celibacy.

Answer 22

Asceticism (Mature)

Question 23

Committing oneself to the needs of others over and above one’s own needs. Alturistic behavior can be used in service of narcissistic problems but can also be the source of great achievements and constructive contributions to society.

Answer 23

Altruism (Mature)

Question 24

Delaying of immediate gratification by planning and thinking about future achievements and accomplishments.

Answer 24

Anticipation (Mature)

Question 25

Transforming social objectionable or internally unacceptable aims into social acceptable ones.

Answer 25

Sublimination (Mature)