Defense Mechanisms LCSW

Process by which content is separated from repressed

affect.

Intellectualization

A man attends anger management classes but states that

he doesn't have a problem.

Denial

"I didn't have time to go to the gym because I had to

make dinner for my kids."

Rationalization

Characterized by rigor and self-denial

Asceticism

"I'm afraid of snakes, but I'm not sure why."

Repression

Unacceptable feelings are expressed as their opposite.

Reaction Formation

Using plausible reasons to justify an action or opinion

Rationalization

A woman decides to become a psychologist because her mom is one.

Identification

Refusing to let into awareness unacceptable thoughts,

feelings, emotions.

Repression

A college student won't eat or sleep until all his work is

done.

Asceticism

When affect is transferred from one object to another.

Asceticism

Displacement

A woman recently diagnosed with depression focuses on learning about the symptoms of depression instead of expressing her feelings.

Intellectualization

Process by which qualities of an external object are

absorbed into one's personality.

Identificaiton

A boy is interested in a girl but acts aloof and

disinterested when around her.

Reaction Formation

A father who lost his job finds himself yelling at his kids

more often.

Displacement

__Characteristics of other people or events are taken in as

one's own.

Introjection/Internalization

Placing unacceptable impulses from one person to

another.

Projection

__Displacing unacceptable instincts for constructive and socially acceptable behaviors.

Sublimation

Process by which we avoid being punished for

undesirable thoughts or actions.

Undoing

_"All daddies are mean to mommies."

Introjection/Internalization

A man with a lot of aggressive energy becomes a

professional rugby player.

Sublimation

A woman is unfaithful but accuses her husband of

cheating on her.

Projection

A teenager gets into a loud argument with his parents but

then cleans up his room without being asked.

Undoing

Distorting reality and not acknowledging emotions or

events

Denial