Defense Mechanisms What they are and why we use them

Denial Refusing to accept reality Example: Janice told her friends she was still dating Ethan even though he had broken up with her last week.

Projection Attributing feelings/thoughts onto someone else Example: I don’t like a boy named Mike and I say “I know that dude hates me, I know it!”

Splitting All good or all bad. Black or white, no grays. Example: “The nurses from the day shift are all terrific. The ones from the night shift are terrible.”

Regression Acting as if you are a child again, or in a less troubling time in your life. Example: A seven year old begins wetting the bed again when he finds out his Mom is having a baby.

Identification Behaving and dressing like someone you admire. Example: Johnny tries to look and act like his favorite rock artist.

Displacement Directing feelings at someone/something other than the source of those feelings. Example: Angry at not making the team, Sarah pushes her little sister when she gets home.

Repression Unconsciously excluding feelings or memories. Example: A person was abused but doesn’t recall any of it.

Acting Out Emotional outburst. Covers up reality Example: someone throwing a temper tantrum.

Rationalization An attempt to protect one’s feelings or self-esteem by blaming others or making excuses. Example: “I didn’t pass the test because the teacher asked vague questions.”

Reaction Formation Acting outwardly the opposite of what one feels. Example: A person climbs a mountain even though they are afraid of heights.

Passive-Aggressive Unconscious passive hostility Example: “She agreed to share her notes with me, but after class she went straight home.”

Fantasy/Daydreaming Running away from problems through daydreaming or fantasizing. Example: A student who is cut from a sports team fantasizes about making the Olympics.

Compensation Making up for a weakness in one area by excelling in another area. Example: A student doesn’t make a sports team and works really hard to make first chair violin in the orchestra.

Sublimation Transforming unacceptable behaviors into acceptable ones. Example: A very aggressive person plays football to release his aggressiveness.

Humor Expressing feelings/thoughts without discomfort. Example: A person is teased by a friend and laughs along with everyone.