defence mechanisms
Mind's protective strategies
Defence mechanisms are psychological strategies the mind uses unconsciously to protect itself from anxiety, uncomfortable thoughts, or painful emotions.
Freud introduced the concept, and it remains central to psychoanalytic theory.
Common examples include denial, repression, projection, and rationalization.
His constant joking about the divorce was clearly a defence mechanism.
Also spelled defense mechanisms.
- projectionsEstimates extending forward
- displacementsForced changes of position
- denialRefusal to accept reality
- reaction formationMasking impulses with opposites
- repressionUnconscious blocking of thoughts
in denial · rationalization · sour grapes · splitting · compartmentalization · blind spot · passive-aggression · psychodynamics · sublimation · magical thinking · unconscious mind · avoidance · fight or flight · scapegoating · shooting the messenger · intellectualization · identification · transference
defence mechanismscoping strategies
Techniques for handling adversity
self-awareness · psychological insight · coping skills · mindfulness · introspection
defence mechanismsradical acceptance
Fully embracing unchangeable circumstances
emotional vulnerability · ego dissolution · emotional honesty · self-disclosure · working through
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