Defense Mechanisms

What they are and why we use them

DenialRefusing to accept reality

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

ProjectionAttributing 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!”

SplittingAll 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.”

RegressionActing 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.

IdentificationBehaving and dressing like someone you admire.

Example: Johnny tries to look and act like his favorite rock artist.

DisplacementDirecting 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.

RepressionUnconsciously excluding feelings or memories.

Example: A person was abused but doesn’t recall any of it.

Acting OutEmotional 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.

CompensationMaking 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.

SublimationTransforming unacceptable behaviors into acceptable ones.

Example: A very aggressive person plays football to release his aggressiveness.

HumorExpressing feelings/thoughts without discomfort.

Example: A person is teased by a friend and laughs along with everyone.