Defense Mechanisms in Psychology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to defense mechanisms in psychology, their definitions, and their implications in therapeutic contexts.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious techniques people develop to protect themselves emotionally from stress and anxiety.

Humor

A defense mechanism where individuals cope with stress by making jokes or lighthearted remarks.

Denial

A refusal to accept the reality or truth of a situation, often seen in substance use disorders.

Projection

A defense mechanism in which individuals deny responsibility for their thoughts and behaviors by attributing them to others.

Intellectualization

A coping mechanism involving the use of logic and reason to avoid emotional stress.

Regression

Returning to earlier stages of development in response to stress, often seen as immature behavior.

Isolation

Repressing one’s feelings and emotions in order to cope with stress, often seen in healthcare workers.

Sublimation

Redirecting unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities, such as sports.

Catharsis

The process of making the unconscious conscious, as introduced in Freud's psychoanalysis.

Free Association

A technique in psychoanalysis where the patient talks freely without direction to uncover underlying thoughts.

Resistance

A phenomenon in therapy when a patient unconsciously avoids discussing certain topics.

Transference

The phenomenon where patients project feelings about others onto their therapist.