Defence Mechanism by Freud

Defence Mechanism
Your Name Akanksha Gupta

B.A. from BHU
Pursuing M.A. from BHU
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Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that individuals unconsciously use to
cope with feelings of anxiety, distress, or threats to their self-esteem. These mechanisms
operate at an unconscious level and help individuals protect themselves from psychological
pain or discomfort by distorting reality, regulating emotions, or managing conflicts.
There are several types of defense mechanisms, and they can be classified into different
categories based on their underlying mechanisms and functions. Some common defense
mechanisms include:
1. Repression: Pushing distressing thoughts, memories, or feelings out of conscious

awareness. This helps individuals avoid confronting painful or unacceptable aspects
of themselves.
2. Denial: Refusing to acknowledge reality or the existence of certain facts or emotions.
Denial can serve as a temporary defense against overwhelming situations or
traumatic events.
3. Projection: Attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto
others. This helps individuals avoid confronting their own shortcomings or
insecurities by seeing them in others.
4. Rationalization: Justifying or explaining away behaviors, thoughts, or feelings in a
seemingly logical or socially acceptable manner. Rationalization allows individuals to
preserve their self-image and avoid feelings of guilt or shame.
5. Displacement: Redirecting emotions, impulses, or behaviors from their original
source onto a less threatening target. For example, someone who is angry with their
boss may instead vent their frustrations on their family members.
6. Sublimation: Channeling unacceptable impulses or emotions into socially acceptable
activities or behaviors. For instance, someone with aggressive tendencies may find
release through sports or artistic pursuits.
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7. Regression: Reverting to earlier, more primitive stages of behavior in response to

stress or conflict. This may involve exhibiting childlike behaviors or seeking comfort
from others.
8. Intellectualization: Dealing with emotional conflicts or stressors by focusing
excessively on abstract thoughts, ideas, or intellectual pursuits. Intellectualization
can provide a sense of control and distance from overwhelming emotions.
9. Reaction Formation: Adopting attitudes or behaviors that are the opposite of one's
true feelings or impulses. For example, someone who harbors unconscious feelings
of hostility towards a friend may express exaggerated affection instead.
These defense mechanisms operate automatically and often serve as adaptive strategies
for managing psychological distress. However, when used excessively or rigidly, they can
interfere with healthy emotional functioning and interpersonal relationships. Therapy can
help individuals develop awareness of their defense mechanisms and explore more
adaptive ways of coping with stress and conflict.
suitable example of repression

Sure, here's an example of repression in daily life:
Imagine a person who experienced a traumatic event during childhood, such as witnessing
a serious accident. This event was so distressing that the person repressed the memories
associated with it, burying them deep in their subconscious mind.
Years later, as an adult, the person may have vague feelings of anxiety or unease but
cannot pinpoint the cause. They may have recurring nightmares or unexplained physical
symptoms without understanding why. Despite these signs, they cannot recall the details
of the traumatic event.
In this example, repression serves as a defense mechanism that shields the individual from
the full impact of the traumatic memory. By pushing the distressing memories out of
conscious awareness, the person can function in daily life without being overwhelmed by
the emotional pain associated with the traumatic event. However, repression can also lead
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to unresolved psychological issues that may surface later in life, often requiring therapy or
other interventions to address.
SUPRESSION IN DETAIL
Certainly, here's an example of suppression in daily life:
Imagine a student who has an important exam coming up, but they're feeling anxious
about it. Instead of ignoring their feelings or trying to push them away, the student
acknowledges their anxiety and decides to confront it directly. They set aside dedicated
time to study, make a study schedule, and practice relaxation techniques to manage their
stress.
Throughout the preparation process, the student continues to experience moments of
anxiety and self-doubt. However, instead of allowing these feelings to overwhelm them,
they acknowledge them, validate them, and then consciously choose to focus on their
study materials and strategies.
By actively engaging with their anxiety and addressing it in a constructive manner, the
student is practicing suppression. They are acknowledging their feelings without allowing
them to control their behavior or interfere with their ability to prepare for the exam
effectively.
In this example, suppression serves as a conscious effort to manage and regulate emotions
in order to function optimally in a challenging situation. It involves acknowledging and
accepting feelings of anxiety or stress while actively choosing to focus on productive
behaviors and coping mechanisms.

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Defence Mechanism

Your Name Akanksha Gupta

Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that individuals unconsciously use to

pain or discomfort by distorting reality, regulating emotions, or managing conflicts.

1. Repression: Pushing distressing thoughts, memories, or feelings out of conscious

7. Regression: Reverting to earlier, more primitive stages of behavior in response to

adaptive ways of coping with stress and conflict.

suitable example of repression

associated with it, burying them deep in their subconscious mind.

of the traumatic event.

other interventions to address.

Certainly, here's an example of suppression in daily life:

Throughout the preparation process, the student continues to experience moments of

study materials and strategies.

in order to function optimally in a challenging situation. It involves acknowledging and

accepting feelings of anxiety or stress while actively choosing to focus on productive

behaviors and coping mechanisms.

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