Common Defense Mechanisms and Examples

Apathy

Indifference; lack of concern or emotion

Example: “I don’t care what she puts in my evaluation—it won’t change anything.”

Compensation

Balancing a weakness with an achievement

Example: “I ate a lot of candy yesterday, but I also ate a big green salad.”

Conversion

Turning anxiety into a physical symptom

Example: “I get a severe headache every time I see my ex with his new wife.”

Displacement

Redirecting emotions to a less-threatening object

Example: “I had enough trouble handling that last patient; now this copier won’t work!”

Dissociation

Detaching emotions from thoughts or events

Identification

Adopting traits or behaviors of someone else

Intellectualization

Focusing on facts instead of feelings

Introjection

Absorbing the ideas or beliefs of others

Projection

Attributing one’s own faults to others

Rationalization

Justifying unacceptable behavior

Reaction Formation

Acting opposite of true feelings

Regression

Reverting to childlike behavior

Repression

Burying painful thoughts in the subconscious

Sublimation

Channeling negative impulses into positive actions

Suppression

Intentionally avoiding unpleasant thoughts

Undoing

Making up for a mistake with a symbolic act

Verbal Aggression

Attacking someone verbally instead of addressing the issue