Psychology Defense Mechanisms Overview

Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to another person?

What is the term for the defense mechanism that expresses a motive in a way that is opposite to the originally intended impulse?

Which defense mechanism is characterized by providing reasoning to mislead oneself about the true motive behind behavior?

In which defense mechanism does an individual channel anxiety into socially acceptable activities?

What defense mechanism involves the person denying the existence of a painful reality?

Which defense mechanism entails retreating to an earlier developmental stage when faced with stress?

Overview of Defense Mechanisms

Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies that protect individuals from anxiety and emotional turmoil.
These processes help manage primitive emotions and provide psychological balance.

Types of Defense Mechanisms

Repression:
- Involves denying or forgetting distressing thoughts or impulses, pushing them out of conscious awareness.
Projection:
- The act of attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to another person, avoiding internal conflict.
Reaction Formation:
- Expressing thoughts or impulses in ways that are opposite to the original intent, often in a manner that appears exaggerated.
Rationalization:
- Offering logical explanations for behaviors to hide the true, often less acceptable motives behind them.
Displacement:
- Redirecting emotions from the original source of distress to a safer or more acceptable target.
Introjection:
- Internalizing the beliefs or standards of others, often through fantasy, to fulfill an impulse.
Regression:
- Reverting to an earlier developmental stage or childlike behaviors in response to stress.
Denial:
- Refusing to acknowledge reality or facts, which can lead to avoidance of recognizing certain truths.
Sublimation:
- Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities, such as converting anxiety into productive work.

Explore the various unconscious strategies known as defense mechanisms that protect individuals from anxiety and emotional distress. This quiz covers key types such as repression, projection, and rationalization, helping you understand psychological balance in behavior.