It’s been said that we all have a defense mechanism or two, but what does that actually mean? What are the different types of defense mechanisms and how do they work? In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of defense mechanisms and discuss how they can help us adapt to difficult situations. We’ll also take a look at some of the potential drawbacks of using defense mechanisms too frequently. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
Repression:
This is when you push down or keep hidden parts of yourself that you don’t want to deal with. It can be helpful in the short-term, but over time, it can cause problems.
Regression:
This is when you go back to behaving like a younger version of yourself. For example, if you’re feeling stressed, you might start sucking your thumb or wetting the bed.
Projection:
This is when you take your own thoughts or feelings and attribute them to someone else. For example, if you’re feeling guilty about something, you might accuse someone else of doing the same thing.
Displacement:
This is when you take out your frustration on someone or something that’s not the real source of your stress. For example, if you’re stressed about your job, you might come home and yell at your spouse or kids.
Rationalization:
This is when you make excuses for your behavior or try to justify it by making up reasons that sound logical. For example, if you cheat on a test, you might rationalize it by saying that everyone else does it or that the teacher is too hard.
Denial:
This is when you refuse to accept reality or facts. For example, if you’re facing a difficult situation, you might deny that it’s happening or that it’s as bad as it seems.
Reaction formation:
This is when you take the opposite stance of what you’re really feeling. For example, if you’re afraid of being rejected, you might overcompensate by being extra nice to people.
Introjection:
This is when you absorb the thoughts or beliefs of others and make them your own. For example, if you’re raised to believe that sex is bad, you might start to believe it yourself.
Identification:
This is when you try to identify with someone or something else. For example, if you’re feeling lost, you might try to find a group of people to belong to.
Sublimation:
This is when you take your negative feelings and channel them into something positive. For example, if you’re angry, you might take up boxing or kickboxing as a way to release that energy.
Behaviorism:
This is when you focus on your actions and not your thoughts or feelings. For example, if you’re feeling anxious, you might try to distract yourself by focusing on something else.
Isolation:
This is when you separate yourself from others and withdraw into your own world. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you might go for a long walk by yourself or spend hours in your room.
Anything can be used as a defense mechanism, provided it prevents the individual from having to confront whatever it is they don’t want to deal with.
Defense mechanisms are often unconscious processes that protect us from anxiety, shame, and hurt.
Common defense mechanisms include denial, repression, projection, displacement, and rationalization.
Takeaway
So, what are the different types of defense mechanisms? There is a long list of them, but we’ve highlighted some of the most common ones. Understanding how and when these defenses are used can help you to better understand yourself and others. Have you ever noticed that you use a particular defense mechanism more than others? Share your thoughts in the comments below!