DEFENSE DEFENSE MECHANISMS-MECHANISMS-*Ways people deal with stresses in their *Ways people deal with stresses in their lives. Used to try to solve problems, hide lives. Used to try to solve problems, hide or counterbalance feelings or actions. or counterbalance feelings or actions.

*Defense mechanisms do not usually get *Defense mechanisms do not usually get rid of the problem, and are often negative rid of the problem, and are often negative or not a very effective way to deal with or not a very effective way to deal with stress.stress.

Positive Defenses Direct Attack: Recognize the heart of the

problem• Work to solve the problem• The goals must be realistic– “If I look at this realistically, I can set my goals

and overcome this problem”

Sublimation: redirecting bad or unacceptable behavior/emotions into positive behavior.-We sublimate the desire to fight into the ritualistic activities of formal competition.-When I’m angry, I box at the gym.

Compensation: covering a weakness by overachieving in another area.

• May be negative or positive– “OK, maybe I’ll never be able to pass the class, but I’ll

have fun and that teacher will be sorry”

Daydreaming: escaping from an unpleasant situation by using your imagination.

• Living in a fantasy world- “I love animals so much, so even if I fail biology

I can still be a veterinarian”

Negative Defenses

Denial: failure to accept reality.• “This is not happening. It can’t happen to

me.”

Displacement: the transfer of negative emotions from one person or thing to an unrelated person or thing.

• “I did so poorly on my SAT, I’ll just go home and kick my dog.”

Projection: Blame other people or things for your failure

• Use a scapegoat• “It’s my math teacher’s fault I failed the test”

Rationalization: justifying when you behave irrationally.

• “We got caught up in the romance of the moment.. And now I’m pregnant!”

MORE MECHANISMS!MORE MECHANISMS! Regression: using childlike

ways for expressing emotions.• Crying, name calling, throwing things,

swearing.

Repression: subconsciously blocking out unpleasant memories

• “I can remember everything up to the accident, but nothing after that.”

STILL MORE!!STILL MORE!! Reaction formation: expressing emotions that are the exact

opposite of what you feel.– Conceal anger/hate with kindness.– Teasing/bothering someone you like.

Conversion: Transfer the energy of a desire you can’t express into a physical complaint or symptom (headache, stomach aches)•“I think I have the flu… I can’t take my test today.”

Idealization – Valuing something more than it is worth.• Yourself (conceited) “I am so wonderful. Everyone

has to like me.”• Others or possession (money, house, car)• “I need that new Coach purse! It will complete

me!!!”

Giving Up – No situation = No problem• “It doesn’t matter. I don’t care”

LAST ONE!!!LAST ONE!!! Substitution: replacing an

unattainable goal with an attainable goal to relieve disappointment.

• “I am not good at football so I will try the swim team.”

Assignment• In your group (2 people) create a situation

(example) for your assigned defense mechanism.

• Write the name of the defense mechanism.• Tell the definition and give an example

demonstrating it. • Include an image or symbol to remember

defense mechanism.