Defense Mechanisms Flashcards
immature defense mechanisms
denial, regression, acting out, dissociation, compartmentalization, projection, reaction formation, splitting, narcissism, introjection, schizoid fantasy, somatization/hypochondriasis, repression, displacement, intellectualization, rationalization
mature defense mechanisms
suppression, sublimation, altruism, humor, compensation
immature defense mechanism associated with borderline personality disorder
splitting: dividing ppl, places, things into good and bad by focusing selectively on their positive or negative attributes
is repression unconscious or conscious?
unconscious
what defense mechanism is associated with obsessive-compulsive personality trait?
intellectualization: dealing with stress by overthinking, using abstract thought and generalizations to avoid or minimize unpleasant feelings
old man saying “I know I will die soon but I’ve lived a long life and have a wonderful family to take care of me.” example of
compensation
young mother who has thoughts of killing her child says very loudly, “I don’t understand how people can kill their children!” example of
reaction formation
a med student sees his attending calling nurses stupid, so he starts to call a social worker stupid. example of
introjection
lady meets her new Ob and says “I couldn’t trust my other Ob. I can tell that you care about me!” example of
splitting- borderline personality disorder
after a hard day at work, a man comes home and tells his wife she is stupid, doesn’t know anything, and that he is working his ass off. example of
displacement
ethical physician does write up to get more money for the practice without questioning his behavior. example of
compartmentalization
ethical physician does a write up to get more money for the practice and thinks maybe it is wrong but justifies it by recognizing that he has a lot of debt to pay off. example of
rationalization
college student failing out of school goes home for the weekend asking for his “special breakfast”
regression
college student failing out of school goes home to “get a break and clear my head” so he doesn’t have to worry abou tit
suppression
