Defense Mechanisms

Here is a quick reference to some of the defense mechanisms:

• Compensation—The development of attributes that take the place of more desirable ones.

• Conversion reaction—The development of physical symptoms in response to emotional distress.

• Denial—The failure to regard an event or feeling.

• Displacement—The transference of emotions to another other than the intended.

• Projection—The transferring of unacceptable feelings to another person.

• Rationalization—The dismissal of one’s responsibility by placing fault on another.

• Reaction formation—The expression of feelings opposite to one’s true feelings.

• Regression—The returning to a previous state of development in which one felt secure.

• Repression—The unconscious forgetting of unpleasant memories.