Vignettes

Question 1

Becky is married to a man who has been diagnosed as being bipolar. He is so severely impaired that he cannot hold a job. Becky continues to insist that he send out resumes in a search for a new job. This is an example of what defense mechanism?

Answer 1

Denial

Question 2

Bob is afraid of falling in a hole when he goes cave exploring with his brother. His brother’s advice is to try not to think about it. This is an example of what defense mechanism

Answer 2

Suppression

Question 3

Bob killed a young boy on a bike while driving. He does everything he can to forget this, and when asked about it, he makes it very clear that he doesn’t want to talk about it. This is an example of what defense mechanism

Answer 3

Suppression

Question 4

Bobby was told by his mother that he couldn’t have any grapes. He stated that he really didn’t want any because they were probably sour anyway. this is an example of what defense mechanism

Answer 4

Rationalization

Question 5

Chuck is building a emotional triangle between you and Wanda. Chuck keeps talking to you about Wanda behind her back. How could you discontinue the triangulation?

Answer 5

Tell Wanda what is being said about her.

Question 6

Cindy is very unhappy with her professor. He insults her intelligence in class and makes her feel stupid. When asked for her opinion of him, she states that his is a very fair teacher. This ia an example of what defense mechanism?

Answer 6

Reaction Formation