Psychology Defense Mechanisms

Conversion

• Unconscious transfer of anxiety into physical symptoms lacking organic causes.
• Example: A student suffers from a severe headache, preventing her from taking an exam.

Compensation

• Involves excelling in one area to offset deficits in another, thereby raising self-esteem.
• Example: A short boy emphasizes academic success rather than participating in sports.

Denial

• A defense mechanism that involves ignoring or escaping unpleasant realities.
• Example: A man refuses to accept the death of a loved one, insisting, "No, I don't believe you; the doctor said he was fine."

Displacement

• Involves transferring emotions associated with one target to a less threatening person or situation.
• Example: After a bad day at work, an individual comes home and yells at family members.

Dissociation

• A process that involves removing threatening thoughts or feelings from conscious awareness to prevent overwhelming anxiety.
• Example: A mother who witnesses an accident cannot recall the event when contacted by police.

Identification

• Unconscious adoption of the thoughts or behaviors of another to reduce anxiety.
• Example: A teenager mimicking the clothing style of a favorite rock star.

Introjection

• Incorporating the qualities or values of another person into one's personality due to strong emotional ties.

Projection

• Attributing one's own intolerable feelings or wishes onto another person.
• Example: A poor-performing student blames the teacher for inadequate instruction.

Rationalization

• Justifying unreasonable actions or thoughts by creating acceptable explanations.
• Example: “I didn’t get the raise because my boss hates me.”

Reaction Formation (Overcompensation)

• Keeping unacceptable feelings out of awareness by developing opposing feelings or behaviors.
• Example: A recovering alcoholic vocally condemns alcohol consumption.

Regression

• Returning to a less mature, comforting behavior in response to overwhelming anxiety.
• Example: A four-year-old begins thumb-sucking and seeks a bottle after the birth of a sibling.

Repression

• Exclusion of unwanted thoughts or experiences from conscious awareness, serving as a primary defense mechanism.
• Example: A man forgets his wife's birthday following a marital conflict.

Sublimation

• Substituting socially acceptable activities for strong, socially unacceptable impulses.
• Example: A teen who fights with siblings channels aggression into participating in sports.

Suppression

• Conscious effort to delay acknowledgment of disturbing feelings or situations; the only defense mechanism operating on a conscious level.
• Example: A man avoids discussing the circumstances of his arrest.

Therapeutic Nurse-Client Relationship Phases

• Pre-interaction phase: Initial phase prior to actual interaction with the client, involving preparation and planning.