pyschodynamic approach- defence mechanisms

Question 1

what are the 6 AO1 points you must know for defence mechanisms?

Answer 1

-Definition and Purpose
-Repression
-Denial
-Projection
-Displacement
-Psychodynamic Function

Question 2

What are defence mechanisms?

Answer 2

Unconscious strategies used by the Ego to reduce anxiety arising from conflicts between the Id and Superego or from unacceptable impulses.

Question 3

What is repression?

Answer 3

The primary defence mechanism, where the Ego pushes distressing thoughts or memories into the unconscious, preventing them from reaching conscious awareness (e.g., forgetting a traumatic event).

Question 4

What is denial?

Answer 4

Refusing to acknowledge external reality because it’s too threatening. The person acts as if the stressor doesn’t exist (e.g., a smoker insisting there’s no health risk).

Question 5

What is projection?

Answer 5

Attributing one’s own unacceptable desires or impulses to someone else. For example, someone who feels hostility might believe others are hostile toward them.

Question 6

What is displacement?

Answer 6

Redirecting unacceptable impulses from their original source onto a safer substitute target (e.g., angrily kicking a door instead of confronting one’s boss).

Question 7

How can defence mechanisms contribute to psychopathology?

Answer 7

While they protect the conscious mind from anxiety, over-reliance can lead to maladaptive behaviours and maintain disorders (e.g., chronic denial in addiction).