1. INDIRECT METHODS OF ACHIEVING MASLOW’S NEEDS
DEFENSE MECHANISMS
INDIRECT METHODS OF ACHIEVING MASLOW’S NEEDS

2. Defense Mechanisms Unconscious Acts Helps person deal with:
unpleasant situations or socially unacceptable behaviors

3. Rationalization
Use of a reasonable excuse or acceptable explanation for behavior
In order to avoid the real reason or true motivation:
Example: Patient who fears lab test may say” I can’t take time off from work to do this” rather than admit fear

4. Projection
Placing blame for one’s own actions or inadequacies on someone or else or circumstances-rather than accepting responsibility for their own actions.
Example: the teacher failed me because she doesn’t like me…rather than the actual reason…I didn't study/do the work etc.
When people use projection they avoid having to admit they made the mistake

5. Displacement Transfer of feelings about one person to another.
Can’t direct feelings toward the person responsible
Direct anger at coworkers or family (safe targets)
EX: Angry with boss, comes home and yells at the family

6. Compensation
Substitution of one goal for another in order to achieve success
If the substituted goal meet the needs…this can be healthy
Ex: Person wants to be MD, no $, but becomes a Physicians Assistant.
Compensation can be efficient, IF the sub goal is met and productive

7. Daydreaming Means of Escape when one isn’t satisfied with reality
Can allow person to set goals for the future and set a course to meet the goals…then daydreaming is good
BUT…IF daydreaming is a substitute for REALITY..and dreams are more satisfying than reality…then daydreaming is bad
Example: Becoming a dentist: take action to achieve the goal-goal is met- daydreaming is positive
Becoming a dentist: taking no action- goal not met- daydreaming is negative

8. Repression
Transfer of unacceptable or painful ideas, feelings and thoughts into the unconscious mind
Not aware this is occurring
When feelings or emotions become too painful or frightening for the person to deal with
Allows the person to function and “forget” the unpleasant fear or feeling
Can resurface in dreams, or affect behavior
Example: person terrified of heights-doesn’t know why

9. Suppression Similar to Repression except-
Person is AWARE of the unacceptable feelings or thoughts and refuses to deal with them
Substitute work, hobby, or project to avoid a situation.
Example: man works late every night to avoid fighting with his wife

10. Denial Not a river in Egypt!!!
Disbelief of an event or idea too shocking to deal with
Occurs frequently during illness
When person is ready to deal then denial becomes acceptance
Example: "Sure, I have been drinking a bit too much lately, but it's only due to stresses at work; I don't really have a drinking problem since this is situational and not an inner weakness or something."

11. Withdrawal 2 main ways: cease to communicate or
remove self physically from situation
Sometimes a satisfactory means of avoiding conflict
Example: silence, running away, and drinking and drug use.

12. Malingering
To feign illness or other incapacity in order to avoid duty or work.
Example: feel “sick” stay home from school to avoid a test, but around 3:30 you get to feeling a lot better

13. Sublimation
transformation of unwanted impulses into something less harmful and more socially acceptable
Example :A person with strong sexual urges becomes an artist.
A man who has extra-marital desires takes up household repairs when his wife is out of town.

14. Intellectualization
intellectualization involves removing the emotion from emotional experiences, and discussing painful events in detached, uncaring, sterile ways.
Example: a family member close to you becomes terminally ill, you engross yourself in the study of the disease in order to avoid dealing with the emotions of the situation