defense mechanisms

regression

retreats to early development stages; acts immature or inappropriate for age

ex) hospitalized adult cope by laying in fetal / cuddle stuffy

denial

unable to face reality

ex) alcoholic claims theres no problem and drinking is common

projection

recognizes bad traits in others to avoid recognizing traits in themselves; leads to bullying, jealousy, victim-blaming

ex) useless student doesnt help with group but blames others for being lazy

reaction - formation

unconsciously replaces unwanted impulses with its opposite

ex) boy bullies girl because he likes her

repression

unconscious blocking of unpleasant emotions, impulses, memories, and thoughts from conscious mind

ex) abused child cant remember childhood

sublimation

channels unwanted urges into productive outlet

ex) girl channels emotions to home improvement after breakup

displacement

redirects negative emotions to something less threatening

ex) manager yells at employee > employee yells at wife instead of manager

rationalization

justifies behaviors, thoughts, or feelings using logic

ex) student rejected from college says shes happy to be going to a less competitive and welcoming school