DEFENCE MECHANISMS

Presented By: Sathish RAJAMANI M. Sc (N)

INTRODUCTION
Anna Freud (1953) identified number of defense coping mechanisms. Defense mechanisms are employed by the ego to face the threats to biological or psychological integrity. Some defense mechanisms are more adaptive than others. Defense mechanisms are used either consciously or unconsciously as a protective device for the ego in an effort to relieve mild to moderate anxiety.

 Defense Mechanisms becomes maladaptive when they are used by an individual to such a degree that there is in interference with the ability to deal with reality, with effective interpersonal relations, or with occupational performance.
The major defense mechanisms identified by Anna Freud are as follows

Compensation
Is the covering up of a real or perceived weakness by emphasizing a trait one considers more desirable. Example: A handicapped boy who is unable to participate in sports compensates by becoming a great scholar.

DENIAL
Is the refusal to acknowledge the existence of a real situation or the feelings associated with it. Example: Individuals continue to smoke cigarettes even though they have been told of the health risk involved.

DISPLACEMENT
Is the transferring of feelings from one target to another that is considered less threatening or neutral. Example: A boy who is teased and hit by the class bully on the ground comes home after school and kicks his dogs.

IDENTIFICATION
Is an attempt to increase self-worth by accepting certain attributes and characteristics of an individual one admires. Example: A teenage girl emulates the mannerisms and style of dress of a popular female rock star.

INTROJECTION
Is the internalization of the beliefs and values of another individual so that they symbolically become a part of the self to the extent that the feeling of separateness or distinction is lost. Example: A small child develops her conscience by internalizing what the parents believe is right and wrong.

ISOLATION
Is the separation of a thought or a memory from the feeling tone or emotions associated with it. Example: A young woman describes being attacked and raped by a street gang. She displays an apathetic expression and no emotional tone.

PROJECTION
Is the attribution of feelings or impulses unacceptable to ones self to another person. The individual passes the blame for these undesirable feelings or impulses to another, thereby providing relief from the anxiety associated with them. Example: Cricket players after losing the match says due to bad weather forecast we couldn't win.

RATIONALIZATION
Is the attempt to make excuses or formulate logical reasons to justify unacceptable feelings or behaviors. Example: A young girl is unable to clear her exams. She tells her friends Id passed this exam, but Ill be getting married soon. Exam is not important than marriage.

REACTION FORMATION
Is the prevention of unacceptable or undesirable thoughts or behaviors from being expressed by exaggerating opposite thoughts or types of behaviors. Example: Daughter in law who dont like her mother in law, praises her that she is loving her more than her mother.

Regression
Is the retreating to an earlier level of development and the comfort measures associated with that level of functionning. Example: A person who is depressed may withdraw to his or her room, curl up in a fetal position on the bed and sleep for long periods.

Repression
Is the involuntary blocking of unpleasant feelings and experiences from ones awareness. Example: A teenage boy cannot remember driving the car that was involved in an accident in which his best friend was killed.