Psychology Chapter on Immature Defenses

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of introjection in the context of psychological defenses?

Incorporating external values into one's self-image (correct)

Forming strong individual beliefs independent of external influence

Enhancing self-awareness through reflection

Creating an isolated emotional response to trauma

Which scenario exemplifies passive aggressive behavior?

A boy throws a tantrum when asked to do chores

A friend openly criticizes another's fashion choices

A worker intentionally submits incomplete reports (correct)

A student excuses themselves from class to avoid an exam

How does projection function as a psychological defense mechanism?

By blaming others for one's own unacceptable feelings (correct)

By openly confronting one's fears and anxieties

By adapting to social norms to avoid conflict

By recognizing and accepting personal shortcomings

Which of the following illustrates the concept of regression?

A child reverting to thumb-sucking after a sibling's birth Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes passive aggressive behavior when faced with demands?

Indirect resistance expressed through procrastination Signup and view all the answers

Which example reflects an extreme case of projection?

A man accuses others of cheating when he is unfaithful Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome of introducing introjection into one's self-concept?

Integration of external influences into personal identity Signup and view all the answers

In what situation might regression be considered normal rather than pathological?

Following a major life transition or stressor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the defense mechanism known as acting out?

Expressing an unconscious wish through physical action Signup and view all the answers

How does denial function as a defense mechanism?

By unconsciously refusing to accept certain distressing realities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of conversion as a defense mechanism?

A man develops a sudden illness when faced with emotional distress Signup and view all the answers

What might be a subtle risk of prolonged denial?

It may inhibit rational decision-making in the long-term Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the defense mechanism of identification?

A young girl mimicking her mother's behavior before a family gathering Signup and view all the answers

What can be a potential consequence of acting out as a defense mechanism?

Reduced likelihood of taking responsibility for one's actions Signup and view all the answers

In which context is denial considered a 'normal' defense mechanism?

When it facilitates gradual acceptance of stressful news Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best indicates the use of conversion?

An employee complains of back pain after a tough day at work Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Immature Defenses

Acting Out: Expressing unconscious wishes or impulses through actions to avoid conscious awareness of accompanying feelings. This can manifest as verbal or physical aggression.
- Mild example: A husband dealing with anger toward his wife begins staying late at work.
- Extreme example: An employee who is repeatedly denied promotions destroys client files.
Denial: Unconsciously refusing to acknowledge an unacceptable idea or behavior. This is a common defense mechanism used in both normal and pathological states.
- Mild example: A person reacts to news of a loved one's death with denial.
- Extreme example: A woman whose husband died three years ago, but still keeps his clothes in the closet.
Conversion: Unconsciously expressing intrapsychic conflict through physical symptoms.
- Mild example: A student develops a migraine headache on the morning of a final exam.
- Extreme example: A man becomes blind after witnessing his wife's infidelity.
Identification: A conscious attempt to model oneself after a respected person.
- Mild example: A 5-year-old girl dresses in her mother's clothes.
- Extreme example: A young boy admires a local pimp who has money and drugs.
Introjection: Unconsciously incorporating the values and attitudes of others. This can serve a defensive function, such as identifying with an aggressor or a victim.
- Mild example: A husband experiences chest pains and difficulty breathing after his wife's death.
- Extreme example: A child raised by overcritical parents develops a negative self-image.
Passive-Aggressive Behavior: Indirectly expressing aggression towards others through passivity, masochism, and self-directed anger.
- Mild example: A student who dislikes his professor "forgets" to bring his project on the day it's due.
- Extreme example: An employee constantly "forgets" to bring in materials for an important presentation, and then calls in sick the day of the presentation.
Projection: Unconsciously (or consciously) attributing one's own unacceptable desires or difficulties onto others.
- Mild example: An adolescent blames her date for bringing her home late.
- Mild example: A man teases his wife about flirting because he's unconsciously attracted to other women.
- Extreme example: A woman who represses attraction to other women avoids social situations fearing homosexual advances.
- Extreme example: A person experiencing hatred develops a delusion that others are out to get him, justifying his own destructive impulses.
Regression: Unconsciously returning to an earlier developmental stage to avoid tension and conflict in the present.
- Example: A previously toilet-trained preschooler begins bedwetting after the birth of a sibling.
- Example: A hospitalized individual becomes childlike in their demands, demeanor, and dependence on others.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of immature defense mechanisms in psychology. This quiz covers various examples of acting out, denial, and conversion, along with their implications in everyday life. Test your understanding of how these defenses manifest both mildly and in extreme situations.