Be able to apply and/or identify an example of each defense mechanism.
“For Freud, all defense mechanisms functioned indirectly and unconsciously. Just as the body unconsciously defends itself against disease, so also does the ego unconsciously defend itself against anxiety.””Regression Retreating to an earlier psychosexual stage, where some psychic energy remains fixated.A little boy reverts to the oral comfort of thumb sucking in the car on the way to his first day of school. Reaction formation Switching unacceptable impulses into their opposites Repressing angry feelings, a person displays exaggerated friendliness. Projection Disguising one’s own threatening impulses by attributing them to others “The thief thinks everyone else is a thief” (an El Salvadoran saying). Rationalization Offering self-justifying explanations in place of the real, more threatening unconscious reasons for one’s actions A habitual drinker says she drinks with her friends “just to be sociable.” Displacement Shifting sexual or aggressive impulses toward a more acceptable or less threatening object or person A little girl kicks the family dog after her mother puts her in a time-out. Denial Refusing to believe or even perceive painful realities A partner denies evidence of his loved one’s affair.”
Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that people use to cope with uncomfortable or distressing situations, thoughts, or feelings. Here is an example of each defense mechanism:
1. Denial: Denial is a defense mechanism where people refuse to acknowledge or accept a certain situation or reality. For example, a person who is diagnosed with cancer may deny the seriousness of the illness and refuse to undergo treatment.
2. Repression: Repression refers to the unconscious blocking of unpleasant thoughts or experiences. For instance, a victim of childhood abuse may have no memory of the traumatic events.
3. Projection: Projection is when people attribute their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or characteristics to others. An example would be a person who is jealous of others accusing them of being jealous.
4. Rationalization: Rationalization is a defense mechanism where people justify or explain their behaviors or decisions in a way that appears reasonable or acceptable. For example, a student who did poorly on an exam may rationalize it by saying that the test was too difficult.
5. Sublimation: Sublimation is when individuals channel their negative emotions into positive behavior. An example is a person who is angry at his/her boss and uses that frustration to work out at the gym.
6. Displacement: Displacement is redirecting one’s emotions or feelings towards someone or something else that is less threatening. For instance, a person who is angry about being passed up for a promotion may come home and take it out on their spouse.
7. Regression: Regression is a defense mechanism where individuals resort to childlike behaviors or reactions in order to cope with stress or anxiety. An example would be an adult throwing a temper tantrum during a stressful situation.
8. Intellectualization: Intellectualization is when individuals use excessive reasoning or logical thinking to avoid the emotions associated with a situation. An example would be a person who reacts to the death of a loved one by studying death and dying instead of dealing with the feelings of grief and loss.
More Answers:
Critiques of the Humanist Perspective: Lack of Empirical Evidence, Overemphasis on Individualism, Unrealistic Expectations, Lack of Focus on Societal Issues, and Limited Applicability.Understanding Humanistic Theories of Personality: Maslow and Rogers.
Understanding Defense Mechanisms: Coping with Anxiety and Threats.