Defense Mechanisms

Flashcards defining various defense mechanisms.

Repression

Unconsciously blocking painful thoughts or memories from awareness.

Suppression

Consciously choosing to avoid thinking about distressing thoughts.

Reaction Formation

Acting in the opposite way of one's true feelings.

Displacement

Redirecting emotions from the original source to a safer target.

Denial

Refusing to accept reality or facts because they're too painful.

Projection

Attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to someone else.

Regression

Reverting to immature behaviours when under stress.

Rationalization

Justifying behaviour with logical-sounding reasons, ignoring true motives.