1. Defense Mechanisms & Emotions
2/21/2019

2. Way of dealing with emotional pain
Defense Mechanism
Way of
dealing with emotional pain
What are defense mechanisms? “Defense Mechanisms are ways of dealing with emotional pain.” Discuss that some defense mechanisms we do intentionally, but much of the time we react subconsciously.
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3. 2 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT AS EACH DEFENSE MECHANISM IS DISCUSSED:
#1...Is the DM being done consciously or subconsciously?
Sometimes we don’t realize we are reacting in a certain way while other times it may be intentional.
#2...Is the DM a positive or negative way to handle a situation?
Discuss examples of how each defense mechanism could be negative, positive or both.
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4. Refusing to recognize an emotion or a problem
Denial
“Denial is refusing to recognize an emotion or a problem.” (ex. - In denial about a grade) Also the first stage of grief…
Refusing to recognize an emotion or a problem
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5. Transferring emotions from the original source to another
Displacement
Transferring emotions from the original source to another
“Displacement is transferring emotions from the original source to another.“ (ex. – Get in argument with a parent before school but you take it out on friends)
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6. Placing uncomfortable thoughts in an area of our subconscious memory
Repression
“Repression is placing uncomfortable thoughts in an area of our subconscious memory.”
Placing uncomfortable thoughts in an area of our subconscious memory
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7. Making excuses for actions or feelings
Rationalization
“Rationalization is making excuses for actions or feelings.” (ex. – giving excuses for not getting homework done)
Making excuses for actions or feelings
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8. Fantasizing to escape unpleasant reality
Daydreaming
Fantasizing to escape unpleasant reality
“Daydreaming is fantasizing to escape unpleasant reality” (ex. – thinking about being at the beach instead of focusing on the teacher during class)
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9. Behaving in a manner opposite to the way you are feeling
Reaction Formation
“Reaction Formation is behaving in a manner opposite to the way you are feeling.” (ex. – you are mad at a friend but when they ask you what is wrong you say, “Nothing.”)
Behaving in a manner opposite to the way you are feeling
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10. Directing your energy into a useful rather than an unacceptable goal
Sublimation
“Sublimation is directing your energy into a useful rather than unacceptable goal.” (ex. – you like to argue so you join the debate team instead of picking fights with others.)
Directing your energy into a useful rather than an unacceptable goal
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11. Emotions
While we “know” what most emotions are, putting a definition to them could be difficult.
“The following emotions are commonly expressed, but defining them is not as easy. Do we control our emotions or do our emotions control us? Is it bad to have certain emotions?”
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12. A deep caring or concern for someone
Love
A deep caring or concern for someone
“Love is a deep care or concern for someone.” Discuss how there are lots of forms of love, friendship, family, marriage, patriotic, etc…
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13. Strong feeling of being displeased
Anger
Strong feeling of being displeased
“Anger is a strong feeling of being displeased.” Discuss the are many forms of anger.
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14. Feeling or behaving in an unfriendly way
Hostility
Feeling or behaving in an unfriendly way
“Hostility (a form of anger) is feeling or behaving in an unfriendly way.”
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15. A feeling of disappointment or exasperation with a situation
Frustration
A feeling of disappointment or exasperation with a situation
“Frustration (another form of anger) is a feeling of disappointment with a situation.”
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16. Fear of the future or of the unknown
Anxiety
Fear of the future or of the unknown
“Anxiety is fear of the future or of the unknown.”
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17. A scared feeling or being afraid
Fear
A scared feeling or being afraid
“Fear is a scared feeling; to be afraid.”
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18. Wanting something someone else has
Envy
Wanting something someone else has
“Envy is wanting something someone else has. We often confuse this with jealousy.”
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19. Fear of losing something you already have
Jealousy
Fear of losing something you already have
“Jealousy is the fear of losing something you already have.”
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20. A feeling of complete hopelessness
Despair
A feeling of complete hopelessness
“Despair is a feeling of complete hopelessness. Often it is the emotion associated with suicide.”
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21. Feeling isolated from others
Loneliness
Feeling isolated from others
“Loneliness is feeling isolated from others. A person can feel lonely even in a crowd of people.”
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22. Deep feeling of sadness caused by the loss of someone or something
Grief
Deep feeling of sadness caused by the loss of someone or something
“Grief is a deep feeling of sadness caused by the loss of someone or something.”
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23. Feeling of having done something wrong
Guilt
Feeling of having done something wrong
“Guilt is a feeling of having done something wrong. This occurs when we do something that goes against our values.”
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