Ego defense mechanisms Flashcards
Acting out
Expression of unacceptable impulses or feelings through actions- destructive
Immature defense mechanism
Dissociation
Detachment from reality
Immature defense mechanism
Denial
Deny reality of unpleasant fact
Immature defense mechanism
Displacement
Mind substitutes new aim/objet for something that’s undesirable
Yell at kids because boss yelled at you
Immature defense mechanism
Fixation
Partially remaining at childish level of development – interact with mom like a child
Immature defense mechanism
Identification
Person assimilates another person’s attributes
“to be like another”
Immature defense mechanism
Isolation
Separation of feelings from threatening thoughts or events
Projection
Lower anxiety by taking unacceptable thoughts and beliving someone else has those thoughts
Immature defense mechanism
Rationalization
Convincing oneself no wrong has been done
Immature defense mechanism
Reaction formation
Taking unacceptable thoughts or impulses and attempting to over exaggerate the opposite action or thought
Porn addict fights porn
Immature defense mechanism
Regression
Returning to an earlier stage of development rather than dealing with an unacceptable emotion or thought
-bed wetting after stressful event
Immature defense mechanism
Repression
Unconscious withholding of unacceptable felings or memories
Immature defense mechanism
Splitting
Believing person or thing is all good or all bad
Borderline personality ds
Immature defense mechanism
Altruisim
Provide + service to others that brings pleasure and personal satisfaction
Mature defense mechanism
Humor
Expressing amusing thoughts and feelings despite negative or unacceptable environment
Mature defense mechanism
