Psychology Defense Mechanisms Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are defense mechanisms?

Unconscious copying mechanisms that reduce anxiety generated by threats from unacceptable impulses.

What is repression?

A mental process that removes unacceptable thoughts and memories from consciousness.

Provide an example of repression.

A child who is abused by a parent later has no recollection of the events, but has trouble forming relationships.

What is projection?

A defense mechanism that involves attributing one's own threatening feelings, motives, or impulses to another person or group. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of projection.

A person in a couple has thoughts of infidelity and subconsciously projects these feelings onto their partner, thinking that the partner may be having an affair. Signup and view all the answers

What is reaction formation?

A defense mechanism that involves unconsciously replacing threatening inner wishes and fantasies with an exaggerated version of their opposite. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of reaction formation.

A child who likes a child of a different gender may behave meanly when the child is actually experiencing the opposite feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is displacement?

A defense mechanism that involves shifting unacceptable wishes or drives to a neutral or less threatening alternative. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of displacement.

Taking anger out by slamming a door or throwing a book. Signup and view all the answers

What is regression?

A defense mechanism in which the ego deals with internal conflict and perceived threat by reverting to an immature behavior or earlier stage of development. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of regression.

Returning to thumb sucking, teddy bear cuddling, or watching cartoons in response to something distressing. Signup and view all the answers

What is rationalization?

A defense mechanism that involves supplying a reasonable sounding explanation for unacceptable feelings and behavior to conceal one's underlying motives or feelings. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of rationalization.

A shy man avoids dating due to anxiety around attractive women and tells himself that he isn't dating because he wants to focus on his career. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious strategies to alleviate anxiety from unacceptable impulses.

Repression

Mental process that eliminates distressing thoughts and memories from awareness.

Example of Repression

An abused child forgets the traumatic events but struggles with future relationships.

Projection

Attributing one's own undesirable feelings or impulses to others rather than acknowledging them.

Example of Projection

A person with infidelity thoughts suspects their partner of being unfaithful, projecting their own doubts.

Reaction Formation

Subconsciously transforming threatening desires into their opposite, often with exaggerated displays.

Example of Reaction Formation

A child displaying hostility towards a peer while secretly having a crush on them.

Displacement

Redirecting emotional responses from a target perceived as threatening to a safer, neutral target.

Example of Displacement

Expressing frustration by slamming doors or throwing objects instead of confronting the source of anger.

Regression

Reverting to earlier developmental behaviors in response to stress or conflict.

Example of Regression

Adults resorting to childlike behaviors such as thumb-sucking or watching cartoons during distressing times.

Rationalization

Justifying inappropriate or troubling feelings and actions with plausible explanations to mask true motives.

Example of Rationalization

A shy man avoids dating due to anxiety but claims to focus on his career instead, avoiding self-truth.

Description

Test your knowledge of defense mechanisms in psychology with these flashcards. Each card highlights key concepts like repression and their definitions. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this essential topic.