Defense Mechanisms

Question 1

Repression

Answer 1

Refuses to let into awareness unacceptable impulses but remains unconsciously operative in bx

Question 2

Introjection and internalization

Answer 2

The internalization of outside events or characteristics of other people

The process of “taking in” or “swallowing whole” the characteristic or trait

Question 3

Projection

Answer 3

Places unacceptable feelings from the person feeling them onto another person

Question 4

Denial

Answer 4

Distorts reality and does not acknowledge emotion

Uncommon in children because they are unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality

Question 5

Sublimation

Answer 5

Displaced unacceptable instincts for constructive and socially acceptable bx’s

Question 6

Undoing

Answer 6

Process by which we avoid being punished for undesirable thoughts or actions

Question 7

Compulsively eats lollipops after quitting smoking

Answer 7

Displacement

Question 8

Compulsively washing hands after being shamed for masturbating

Answer 8

Displacement

Question 9

Man yells at his wife because he is unable to express anger towards his boss

Answer 9

Displacement

Question 10

A Bruce led fan becomes a disciplined martial arts champion

Answer 10

Identification

Question 11

Person decides to follow in father’s footsteps to become a lawyer

Answer 11

Identification

Question 12

Speaking of traumatic childhood as if reading a scripted story

Answer 12

Intellectualization

Question 13

Sexual assault victim researches factual ptsd criteria instead of addressing her own emotional pain in therapy

Answer 13

Intellectualization

Question 14

Asceticism

Answer 14

Characterized by rigor and self denial

Question 15

Refuses to eat or sleep until major work is complete

Answer 15

Asceticism

Question 16

Copes with sexual tension and desire by refusing to engage in all pleasurable activities

Answer 16

Asceticism

Question 17

A parent with an unwanted child who is over protective

Answer 17

Reaction formation

Question 18

A victim may identify with an aggressors bx’s to help protect himself

Answer 18

Introjevtion and internalization

Question 19

Person puts on seatbelt before driving away

Answer 19

Interjection and internalization

Question 20

A highly anxious colleague complains about another colleagues anxieties

Answer 20

Projection

Question 21

Complains no one likes him but in reality he does not like himself or other others

Answer 21

Projection

Question 22

Continues to eat unhealthy foods despite his doctors orders to eat healthier

Answer 22

Denial

Question 23

Alcoholic attends recovery program but continues to drink

Answer 23

Denial

Question 24

Person with major depression may use professional dance to help with suicidal thoughts

Answer 24

Sublimation

Question 25

Person with aggressive impulses becomes a kickboxing instructor

Answer 25

Sublimation

Question 26

A spouse unconsciously undoes his many adulterous acts by buying his partner lavish gifts

Answer 26

Undoing

Question 27

A person is overly nice to a person she had just insulted in her mind

Answer 27

Undoing

Question 28

Rationalization

Answer 28

Plausible reasons justify an action or opinion

Blaming external circumstances