Defense MechanismsDefense Mechanisms

The devil made me do it….The devil made me do it….Attempts to protects from anxiety.. Attempts to protects from anxiety..

Generally unconsciousGenerally unconscious

RepressionRepression

= is motivated forgetting-or the active forgetting of unacceptable thoughts desires and memories.

……..(remembering gives subject pain) Examples: First responders, rape victims,

soldiers

DenialDenial

= The refusal to believe information that provokes anxiety→ assertion that the information is incorrect.

Examples: Dr says someone has cancer and the patient

refuses to admit it.

RationalizationRationalization

= When people attempt to prove that their actions are rational and justifiable and thus worthy of approval.

(I was busy with work so I could not study for the test….that is why I failed…..)

DisplacementDisplacement

• = Diverting your actions or feelings to a less threatening target. (Your upset with your teacher, so you yell @ your brother)

• This is an attempt to shift their anger to a more acceptable target….

RegressionRegression

= The person takes on a childish behavior in their attempt to deal with the stress or deal with the issue.

Throwing a temper tantrum seeks to divert attention from the real issue.

Soccer dude…., Basketball dude…

ProjectionProjection

= When a person identifies that others have the same faults as an excuse for their own.

(Everyone cheats on their taxes) That teacher hates me …therefore I hate

him…..

Reaction formationReaction formation

= A person that loudly crusades against and issue even when they are guilty of the same issue.

Person cries wolf and then protests their innocence.

Person attacks another for a crime they also committed