Defense mechanisms - What are they?

Unfortunately this is my last topic for this project. It has been so much fun expressing my thoughts and education though this blog that I am seriously thinking about either continuing this blog on psychology or starting a different one on something new. I'll let you all know when I decide.

Our final topic is defense mechanisms. This topic required a bit more research because there wasn't much in the textbook but I enjoyed the homework because this is one of the parts in psychology that fascinates me. I was able to find 6 defense mechanisms so I will give a brief description of them and go in depth with ones I choose to use in my application post. To keep it simple I will be writing it as a list so it doesn't look too overwhelming.

But first what is a defense mechanism? A defense mechanism is a way an individual will act or think in order to defend themselves.

Here are 6 common defense mechanisms:

1. Denial: The refusal to accept something by acting as though it does not exist or did not happen. This is one of the most basic defense mechanisms. It is thought to have originated in early childhood.
2. Regression: Reverting back to an earlier stage of devolpment when an unacceptable thought, impulse or action is presented.
3. Reaction Formation: The act of turning anxiety provoking thoughts in to the opposite in consciousness.
4. Repression: Blocking a hostile thought, memory or emotion from ones conscious.
5. Rationalization: Justisfying a behavior by using socially acceptable reasoning instead of the actual reason.
6. Displacement: Taking emotions out on an inanimate object or another person rather than the subject that caused it.

Even without realizing it, everyone is guilty of using these defenses in everyday life. Some use it for simple things like forgetting to take out the trash and not wanting to get in trouble. Others use them for traumatic experiences that are too painful to address. Whatever the reason, one should not be judged on them but rather hope to be understood.

Hope you go on to read my application post

-Shinara Newton