Defense mechanisms

regression

a person retreats to an earlier stage of development that feels safer, exhibiting behaviors of that stage

denial

blocking events from our awareness, inability to admit something has happened

compensation

making up for real or perceived weakness (often by excelling at another skill)

conversion

repression of an event or feeling is expressed as a bodily function

dissociation

momentary loss of connection to the world, feeling of being separated from self or reality

displacement

transfer of negative emotion from one person to an unrelated person or thing

projection

attributing thoughts and feelings to someone else

identification with aggressor

victim takes the role of the aggressor and imitates their behavior

introjection

accepting another person’s attitudes, beliefs, and values as their own (common in adolescents)

isolation of affect

• screening out painful feelings by recalling trauma without experiencing the emotions associated

• separating thoughts from feelings while accepting reality

rationalization

• providing reasonable explanations to justify actions

• picking certain elements of the truth and denying others

• protecting ego

reaction formation

expressing the opposite of inner feelings in outward behaviors (workplace example)

repression

unconscious “forgetting” of painful ideas, events, or conflicts

sublimation

redirecting or challenging strong emotions into a safe and productive activity

undoing

taking back an unconscious behavior that is unacceptable or hurtful

inhibition

the loss of motivation to engage in activity because it may stir up conflict over forbidden impulses