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