Psychological Defense Mechanisms

Denial Definition: Refusal to recognize or acknowledge a threatening situation Example: Ben is an alcoholic who denies being an alcoholic

Repression Definition: “Pushing” threatening or conflicting events or situations out of conscious memory Example: Elise, who was abused as a child, cannot remember the abuse at all

Rationalization Definition: Making up acceptable excuses for unacceptable behavior Example: Stating that you failed a test because the teacher doesn’t like you, when the real reason was you didn’t study.

Projection Definition: Placing one’s own unacceptable thoughts onto others, as if the thoughts belonged to them and not to oneself Example: Keisha is attracted to her sister’s husband but denies this and believes the husband is really attracted to her

Reaction Formation Definition: Forming an emotional reaction or attitude that is the opposite of one’s threatening or unacceptable thoughts Example: Matt is attracted to Ben but outwardly voices an disapproval and dislike of homosexuals

Displacement Definition: Expressing feelings that would get you in trouble if directed at the real target onto a less threatening substitute target Example: Sandra gets remanded by her boss and goes home to angrily pick a fight with her husband

Regression Definition: Falling back on childlike patterns as a way of coping with a stressful situation Example: Four-year-old Jeff starts wetting the bed after his parents bring home a new baby

Identification Definition: Trying to become like someone else to deal with anxiety Example: Marie really admires Suzie, the most popular girl in school, and tries to copy her behavior and dress

Compensation (Substitution) Definition: Trying to make up for areas you perceive are lacking by becoming superior in other areas Example: Reggie is short and insecure about it, so he buys a lifted truck.

Sublimination Definition: A cting out socially unacceptable urges into socially acceptable behavior Example: Alain, who is very aggressive, becomes a professional hockey player