Defense Mechanisms

Mental & Emotional Health

Objectives1. Define defense mechanism.

2. Define and provide examples for the following defense mechanisms.– Regression– Rationalization– Denial– Compensation– Projection– Identification

Definitions• Defend– To repel danger or attack

• Defense– The act of defending– Resistance against attack

Defense Mechanisms Information

• Strategies used to deal with strong or stressful emotions and situations– Short term: Might protect you from too much pain

or embarrassment– Long term: Might keep you from facing or dealing

with problems

• They can be + or – depending on the situation

1. Regression– Turning back to behaviors of an earlier stage

of development (like a toddler)

2. Rationalization– Making excuses to explain situation or

behavior rather than taking responsibility

3. Denial– Refusal to accept reality

4. Compensation– Covering up weaknesses or mistakes with

gift-giving, hard work or other extreme efforts

5. Projection– Taking out stress on

another person even though

they have nothing to do with the stress

6. Idealization– Seeing someone/something else as perfect or

more ideal, or worthy, than everyone/everything else

“Don’t you go projecting on me!”

Examples Page 204

• Regression– Turning back to behaviors of an earlier stage of

development (like a toddler)

• An adult throwing a temper tantrum

• Rationalization–Making excuses to explain situation or behavior

rather than taking responsibility• Failing a test, blame it on missing the day of the test

when you knew it was scheduled that day• Bad grade, blame teacher for not liking you

• Denial– Refusal to accept reality

• Death of a loved one (pet), act like they’re alive

• Compensation– Covering up weaknesses or mistakes with gift-giving,

hard work or other extreme efforts• Kobe Bryant, bought his wife jewelry• Didn’t make soccer team, practice to get better

• Projection– Taking out stress on another person even though

they have nothing to do with the stress• Not making a role in play, slam door in sister’s face when

you get home

• Idealization– Seeing someone/something else as perfect or more

ideal, or worthy, than everyone/everything else• Thinking foreign holiday will be better than it really is• Parents ignoring that their child can make mistakes• Thinking a famous person has a perfect life and failing to pay

attention to the negative aspects of their life

This can be done in your notes.

• My Examples– Name 2 defense mechanisms

– Give an example of these defense mechanisms (when you used one, when someone you know used one on you)

• Reflection Paragraph– Use these questions to guide your reflection

paragraph & give you ideas of what to write about.• How can this information help you in your every day

life?• What can you keep in mind for the future when you

are faced with a stressful/emotional situation?

Wrap Up

• Identification: The unconscious modeling of one's self upon another person's character and behavior.