Psych: Defense Mechanisms

Repression

What the ego does: Pushes a threatening impulse or memory out of awareness

College example: Can't remember anything about the night a friend was hurt

Denial

What the ego does: Refuses to accept a painful reality

College example: Failing a class but insisting "I'm fine, I'll pass"

Regression

What the ego does: Retreats to childlike behavior

College example: Calls home to be babied and watches childhood cartoons after a breakup

Projection

What the ego does: Sees your own impulse in others

College example: Jealous of a friend but accuses her of being jealous of you

Rationalization

What the ego does: Gives an acceptable excuse for the real motive

College example: “I work better under pressure" (Jordan's 2 a.m. paper

Reaction formation

What the ego does: Acts the opposite of the impulse

College example: Overly sweet to the roommate you resent

Displacement

What the ego does: Redirects feelings to a safer target

College example: Angry at a professor, snaps at your little brother

Sublimation

What the ego does: Channels the impulse into something positive

College example: Turns anger about injustice into organizing a campus protest