Defence Mechanisms

Introduced in PSYCH101 through Freud’s Theory of Personality.

Repression is the tendency to keep distressing thoughts and feelings buried in the unconscious. As conflicts bubble up into the preconscious, repression pushes them back down. Freud believed that Repression was the most commonly applied strategy for reducing anxiety

Projection is the tendency to misattribute one’s own thoughts and desires to others. Suppose you were in a romantic relationship and felt guilty about your growing desire for the attractive and alluring Ravinder from module seven. One way to relieve your guilt is to believe that it is not you who lusts after Ravinder, but in fact that it is Ravinder who lusts after you. Now you can enjoy the attraction without feeling culpable since it’s Ravinder’s fault instead of yours.

Displacement is the tendency to redirect unacceptable impulses (especially aggression) away from the original target and towards a substitute target instead. For instance, a man who can’t retaliate against his jerk boss without losing his job instead mistreats his spouse and children.

Sublimation is the tendency to redirect unacceptable impulses away from the original source and towards a more socially acceptable target instead. For example, staying longer at work or fueling a creative endeavor.

Reaction formation is the tendency to behave in the opposite manner of one’s true feelings. Ted Haggard was an evangelical pastor in the United States who was very vocal in his condemnation of homosexual behaviour and his opposition to gay marriage. Contrary to these public declarations, however, a male prostitute alleged having a sexual relationship with Haggard over a three-year period (Harris, Nov 3rd, 2006).

Regression is the tendency to revert back to immature patterns of behaviour such as throwing a temper tantrum after failing to get that promotion at work. Freud believed that the Ego would revisit earlier stages of development in order to avoid adult problems.

Identification is the tendency to reinforce one’s self-esteem by forming alliances with another person or group. These alliances can be real (e.g., joining a fraternity/sorority/club) or they can be imaginary (e.g., celebrity worship).

Rationalization is the tendency to invent faulty but plausible excuses to justify unacceptable choices.