9 - Defense Mechanisms

Sigmund Freud was the first psychologist to categorize and describe defense mechanisms. A defense mechanisms are behaviours that an individual uses in response to frustration or conflict. They are protective measures that shelter the individual’s self esteem when threatened. Defense mechanisms keep people from getting overly anxious. They go into action automatically before a person becomes aware of building anxiety, and they keep the person from becoming too upset.

Defense mechanisms are unconscious responses. We are usually not aware of using them and do not deliberately choose to use them for our protection.

Defense mechanisms alleviate anxiety by using methods that deny, falsify, or distort reality. They are indirect and sometimes self-defeating ways of coping with problems.

Defense mechanisms can be grouped in these categories:

• repression, suppression, reaction formation
• compensation, overcompensation, sublimation
• projection, introjection, identification
• procrastination
• displaced aggression
• rationalization
• regression

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Negative Aspects of Defense Mechanisms

All defense mechanisms are self-deceptive and are employed when they feel threatened. When defense mechanisms become the dominant mode of problem solving, an individual wastes great time and energy maintaining the defense mechanisms. The person directs little effort into constructive work that could be useful in solving the problem. In extreme cases, excessive use of defense mechanisms may lead to personality maladjustment.

Positive Aspects of Defense Mechanisms

When used in moderation, defense mechanisms can help people adjust to difficult situations. They may provide temporary protection from problems that might initially be overwhelming. Defense mechanisms allow the person to develop adequate problem-solving techniques without intense pressures. For example, the immediate reaction of anyone being told of the death of a loved one is denial. The person simply refuses to accept the situation as true. Such statements as “No! It’s not possible!” are often used. Later, the person will normally accept the fact over a period of time that gives the individual a chance to recover.

Defense mechanisms are an important rescue system in a variety of crises.