Counseling Theories: Psychoanalytic Theory - Defense Mechanisms

Flashcards covering key defense mechanisms from Psychoanalytic Theory, with definitions and examples.

Repression

Blocking urges, desires, or traumatic memories from awareness. Example: Officer forgets traumatic event to avoid thinking about danger.

Displacement

Redirecting emotions from original source to a safer target. Example: Employee angry at boss yells at family member.

Rationalization

Justifying behavior with socially acceptable reasons. Example: Student blames teacher for failing exam.

Compensation

Overdeveloping a positive trait to mask a limitation. Example: Weak teen focuses on academic success.

Projection

Attributing unacceptable feelings to someone else. Example: Cowardly person calls others cowards.

Reaction Formation

Expressing the opposite of repressed impulses. Example: Repressed attraction leads to overt homophobia.

Denial

Refusing to accept reality due to its painful truth. Example: Alcoholic insists they don't have a problem.

Identification

Adopting traits of someone perceived as powerful. Example: Child imitates teacher to feel powerful.

Substitution

Pursuing an attainable goal instead of an unattainable one. Example: Couple adopts after infertility.

Fantasy

Escaping reality by creating imaginary scenarios. Example: Student daydreams instead of studying.

Regression

Retreating to an earlier developmental stage under stress. Example: Older child throws tantrum when upset.

Sublimation

Channeling unacceptable impulses into acceptable outlets. Example: Performer channels attention-seeking into theater.

Introjection

Internalizing others’ values or beliefs. Example: Criticized child believes they are not good enough.

Undoing

Acting to 'undo' previous inappropriate behavior. Example: Child yells then offers to help with chores.

Emotional Insulation

Withdrawing emotionally to protect from harm. Example: Person avoids relationships to prevent intimacy.

Isolation

Separating emotions from thoughts for pragmatism. Example: Arranging funeral without emotional display.