Which of these is your go-to?
Some of the best-known defense mechanisms have become a common part of everyday language.
For example, you might describe someone as being “in denial” of a problem they face.
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However, in other areas of the world, it is spelled with a ‘c.’
If you live in the U.K., for instance, the spelling is “defence mechansms.”
So, you may see it spelled either way.
Defense mechanisms were first described bySigmund Freudin his psychoanalytic theory.
When reading through them, consider whether you use any in your own life.
If you answered yes, you have experienced the ego defense mechanism ofdisplacement.
Displacement involves taking out our frustrations, feelings, and impulses on people or objects that are less threatening.
Displacedaggressionis a common example of this defense mechanism.
While it may temporarily shield you from anxiety or pain, denial also requires a substantial investment of energy.
Because of this, other defenses are used to help keep these unacceptable feelings fromconsciousawareness.
Recap
Denial can involve a flat-out rejection of the existence of a fact or reality.
In other cases, it might involve admitting that something is true, but minimizing its importance.
Repression
Repressionacts to keep information out of conscious awareness.
Suppression
Sometimes you might repress information consciously by forcing the unwanted information out of your awareness.
This is known assuppression.
In most cases, however, this removal of anxiety-provoking memories from awareness is believed to occur unconsciously.
For example, a person experiencing extreme anger might take up kickboxing as a means of venting frustration.
Freud believed that sublimation was a sign of maturity and allows people to function normally in socially acceptable ways.
Rationalization not only prevents anxiety, but it may also protect self-esteem andself-concept.
For example, an individual fixated at an earlier developmental stage might cry or sulk upon hearing unpleasant news.
A fixation at the anal stage might result in excessive tidiness or messiness.
Why do people behave this way?
Some of these defenses can be more helpful than others.
For example, utilizing humor to overcome a stressful, anxiety-provoking situation can actually be an adaptive defense mechanism.
There are many different types of defense mechanisms that can be used to protect the ego from anxiety.
Some of these can be healthier and more helpful than others.
How Do Defense Mechanisms Work?
In Sigmund Freud’s model of personality, theegois the aspect of personality that deals with reality.
According to Freud, anxiety is an unpleasant inner state that people seek to avoid.
Anxiety acts as a signal to the ego that things are not going the way they should.
As a result, the ego employs some sort of defense mechanism to help reduce thesefeelings of anxiety.
Types of Anxiety
Not all types of anxiety are created equal.
Nor do these anxieties stem from the same sources.
To keep this from happening to you, here are a few ways to cope with unhealthy defenses.
Keep in Mind
Remember, defense mechanisms can be both good and bad.
They can serve a helpful role by protecting your ego from stress and providing a healthy outlet.
Psychotherapy may help whether you pursue a traditional face-to-face treatment or an online therapy option.
Find out which option is the best for you.
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