Defense MechanismsDefense Mechanisms

These protect your EGO!These protect your EGO!

REPRESSIONREPRESSION

Forgetting a painful memoryForgetting a painful memory

Ex. AbuseEx. Abuse

RATIONALIZATIONRATIONALIZATIONThe attempt to justify actions, The attempt to justify actions,

attitudes, or thoughts on what are attitudes, or thoughts on what are meant to be logical grounds. meant to be logical grounds. (Deception by reason)(Deception by reason)

This defense usually involves making This defense usually involves making up acceptable excuses for behaviors up acceptable excuses for behaviors that cause us to feel anxious.that cause us to feel anxious.

Making-up Making-up an excuse.an excuse.

SUBLIMATIONSUBLIMATION

Finding a socially acceptable outlet Finding a socially acceptable outlet for unacceptable social behavior.for unacceptable social behavior.

Bully becomes BoxerBully becomes Boxer

REREACTACTION FORMATIONION FORMATION

Act the opposite of what you feel to Act the opposite of what you feel to protect your feelings.protect your feelings.

Ex. Boyfriend/girlfriend 6Ex. Boyfriend/girlfriend 6thth grade. grade.

IDENTIFICATIONIDENTIFICATION

Join the Gang, wear the colors.Join the Gang, wear the colors.

DISPLACEMENTDISPLACEMENTTaking out your anger on a non-Taking out your anger on a non-

threatening object or person.threatening object or person.

Ex. Punch the WallEx. Punch the Wall

COMPENSATIONCOMPENSATION

Not good at school, go into sportsNot good at school, go into sports

FANTASYFANTASYAn attempt to escape into a dream An attempt to escape into a dream

world when conflicts become too world when conflicts become too overwhelming. Daydreams may be a overwhelming. Daydreams may be a substitute for what a person is substitute for what a person is unable to accomplish in reality.unable to accomplish in reality.

““One day I’llOne day I’llbe in the be in the Majors!”Majors!”

REGRESSIONREGRESSION

Going back to an earlier behavior in Going back to an earlier behavior in childhood.childhood.

Crying to the cop.Crying to the cop.

PROJECTIONPROJECTION

Putting your own feelings onto Putting your own feelings onto others.others.