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defense mechanism
ways we behave to protect ourselves
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denial
- refusal to accept reality
- acting as though it never happened
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regression
- going back to earlier stage of development due to unacceptable thoughts or impulses
- adult may regress when under stress and refuse to leave bed
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acting out
- extreme behavior
- in order to express thoughts or feelings the person is incapable of expressing
- self injury
- makes person feel calmer
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dissociation
- person loses track of time, themselves, and their usual thought processes and memories
- may have history of abuses
- lead to person believing they have multiple personalities
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compartmentalization
- lesser form of dissociation
- separate self from awareness
- these parts of them have separate sets a=of values while remaining unconscious of their separate morals
ex: honest person who cheats on taxes
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projection
- used when thought are considered unacceptable for the person to express, or they feel completely ill at ease with having them
- blame others for failures
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reaction formation
- converting unwanted or dangerous thoughts, feelings or impulses into their opposites
- someone who hates boss may be very nice to him
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repression
unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts, feelings, impulses
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displacement
- redirecting thoughts directed at a person but taking it out on another person
- ineffective
- redirecting anger at boss to family
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intellectualization
- overemphasis on thinking when confronted with an unacceptable impulse, situation, or behavior
- distance self from impulse
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rationalization
- explaining unacceptable behavior or feeling in rational manner, avoiding true reason for behavior
- denial
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undoing
attempt to take back an unconscious behavior or thought that is unacceptable or hurtful
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sublimation
channeling of unacceptable impulses, thoughts, emotions into more acceptable ones
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compensation
- counterbalancing personal weakness by emphasizing their strengths
- can help reinforce a persons self esteem if not done excessively
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assertiveness
- emphasis of a persons needs or thoughts in a manner that is respectful, direct, and firm
- falls between passive and aggressive
- desired communication skill
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