Common Defense Mechanisms

Apathy

Indifference; lack of interest, feeling, concern, or emotion

Compensation

Balancing a failure or weakness with an accomplishment

Conversion

Transforming anxiety into a physical symptom with no physical cause

Denial

Refusing to accept or acknowledge an unpleasant reality

Displacement

Redirecting emotions from the original source to a less threatening person or object

Dissociation

Separating emotions from thoughts or events; compartmentalizing emotions

Identification

Adopting the characteristics or behaviors of another person

Intellectualization

Analyzing a situation using facts instead of emotions

Introjection

Adopting the thoughts or feelings of others as your own

Physical Avoidance

Avoiding people, places, or objects that trigger unpleasant memories

Projection

Attributing your own unwanted thoughts or feelings to someone else

Rationalization

Creating logical excuses to justify unacceptable behavior or feelings

Reaction Formation

Expressing the opposite of your true feelings

Regression

Reverting to earlier, more childlike behaviors

Repression

Unconsciously blocking unpleasant emotions, memories, or desires

Sarcasm

Using words that mean the opposite of what is intended, often to insult or be humorous

Sublimation

Redirecting unacceptable urges into acceptable or productive activities

Suppression

Consciously choosing to block unpleasant thoughts or feelings

Undoing

Trying to cancel out unacceptable behavior with a symbolic action

Verbal Aggression

Verbally attacking someone instead of addressing the original issue