Core Defense Mechanisms — LMSW Focus (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards for core defense mechanisms with concise definitions based on lecture notes.

Denial

Refusing to believe something happened.

Repression

Unconscious forgetting of painful events.

Suppression

Conscious decision to avoid a thought.

Projection

Blaming others for what you feel/do.

Displacement

Taking emotions out on a safer target.

Reaction Formation

Acting opposite of how you feel.

Regression

Reverting to earlier behavior.

Sublimation

Channeling bad impulses into good outlets.

Compensation

Excelling in one area to cover weakness in another.

Conversion

Emotional stress becomes physical symptoms.

Isolation of Affect

Talking about trauma without feeling emotion.

Undoing

Trying to make up for bad act with good one.

Introjection

Adopting beliefs/values of others as your own.

Identification with Aggressor

Acting like the person hurting you.

Dissociation

Feeling detached from self/surroundings.

Rationalization

Logical-sounding excuse to cover failure.