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Questions and Answers
What is the term used to describe the defense mechanism where one unconsciously blames someone else for their own difficulties?
What is the term used to describe the defense mechanism where one unconsciously blames someone else for their own difficulties?
Which of the following is NOT considered a mature defense mechanism?
Which of the following is NOT considered a mature defense mechanism?
What is the term used to describe the defense mechanism where one consciously or unconsciously uses only logical explanations without feelings?
What is the term used to describe the defense mechanism where one consciously or unconsciously uses only logical explanations without feelings?
Which of the following is an example of a neurotic defense mechanism?
Which of the following is an example of a neurotic defense mechanism?
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What is the term used to describe the defense mechanism where one unconsciously separates painful feelings and emotions from an unacceptable idea, situation, or object?
What is the term used to describe the defense mechanism where one unconsciously separates painful feelings and emotions from an unacceptable idea, situation, or object?
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What is the term used to describe the defense mechanism where one consciously or unconsciously assumes the characteristics of another individual or group?
What is the term used to describe the defense mechanism where one consciously or unconsciously assumes the characteristics of another individual or group?
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What is the primary purpose of defense mechanisms?
What is the primary purpose of defense mechanisms?
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What is the primary function of the ego?
What is the primary function of the ego?
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Which of the following statements about defense mechanisms is true?
Which of the following statements about defense mechanisms is true?
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Which of the following is a psychotic defense mechanism?
Which of the following is a psychotic defense mechanism?
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What is denial?
What is denial?
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What is the key difference between suppression and other defense mechanisms?
What is the key difference between suppression and other defense mechanisms?
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Study Notes
Defense Mechanisms
- Defense mechanisms are used to deflect anxiety and cover up feelings that affect self-esteem, and can be used consciously or unconsciously.
- They are reversible and can be used in both maladaptive and adaptive ways.
Ego Function and Health
- The ego is the major personality mechanism that mediates between the person and the environment.
- It is described as the guardian of vital balance.
- Ego function refers to the inherent ability to adapt to internal and external demands or stress of the environment.
Different Levels of Defense Mechanisms
Psychotic Mechanisms
- Commonly used in healthy individuals before age 5.
- Examples include:
- Delusions (fixed false beliefs)
- Projections (attributing unacceptable thoughts, emotions, and impulses to another source)
- Denial (unconscious refusal to admit an unacceptable idea or behavior)
- Distortion (believing something to be true when it is not)
- Splitting (rigidly dividing things into two categories, ignoring the middle ground)
Immature Mechanisms
- Commonly used in ages 3 and 15.
- Examples include:
- Projection (unconsciously or consciously blaming someone else for one's difficulties)
- Schizoid fantasy (retreating into fantasy to avoid the present situation)
- Hypochondriasis (exaggerated psychosomatic symptoms)
- Passive-aggressive behavior (expressing negative feelings, resentment, and aggression in an unassertive passive way)
- Acting out (impulsivity)
- Identification (conscious or unconscious assumption of the characteristics of another individual or group)
- Rationalization (creating reasonable and acceptable explanations for unacceptable behaviors)
Neurotic Defenses
- Commonly used in ages 3 and 90.
- Examples include:
- Intellectualization (consciously or unconsciously using only logical explanations without feelings)
- Repression (unconscious and involuntary forgetting of painful ideas, events, and conflicts)
- Displacement (unconsciously discharging pent-up feelings to a less threatening object)
- Reaction-formation (conscious behavior that is the opposite of an unconscious feeling)
- Dissociation (unconscious separation of painful feelings and emotions from an unacceptable idea, situation, or object)
- Emotional isolation (inability to share one's feelings with others)
- Undoing (consciously doing something to counteract or make up for wrongdoing)
Mature Mechanisms
- Examples include:
- Altruism (a sense of unconditional concern for the welfare of others)
- Humor (an overt expression of ideas and feelings that gives pleasure to others)
- Sublimation (channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable behaviors)
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Description
Test your knowledge on defense mechanisms described by Sigmund Freud. Explore the concept of using defense mechanisms consciously or unconsciously to cope with anxiety and self-esteem issues. Identify the differences between adaptive and maladaptive uses of defense mechanisms.
