Ego Defense Mechanism

Psychosexual/Psychoanalytical

Ego Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious Ego defense mechanism These are PSYCHOLOGIC adaptive mechanisms Mental mechanisms that develop as the personality attempts to DEFEND itself, establishes compromises among conflicting impulses and allays inner tensions

Unconscious Ego defense mechanism The unconscious mind working to protect the person from anxiety Releases tension

Ego Defense Mechanisms Compensation

Covering up weaknesses by emphasizing a more desirable trait

Denial

Attempt to ignore unacceptable realities by refusing to acknowledge them

Ego Defense Mechanisms Displacement

Discharging emotional reactions from one object to a LESS threatening object/person

Identification Imitation of someone feared or respected

Ego Defense Mechanisms Intellectualization

Introjection

Use of rational explanations that remove from the event any personal significance and feelings Acceptance of other’s norms as oneself

Ego Defense Mechanisms Minimization

Not acknowledging the significance of one’s behavior

Projection

Blame is attached to others or to environment for unacceptable thoughts, mistakes, etc

Ego Defense Mechanisms Rationalization

JUSTIFICATION of certain BEHAVIORS by faulty logic/reasons

Reaction Formation Acting OPPOSITELY to the way they feel

Ego Defense Mechanisms Regression

Repression

Resorting to an earlier, more comfortable level of functioning that is less demanding Unconscious mechanism of keeping threatening desires or thoughts from becoming CONSCIOUS

Ego Defense Mechanisms Sublimation

Substitution

Re-channeling of aggressive energies into socially acceptable activities

Replacement of a highly valued object by a LESS valuable or acceptable and available object

Ego Defense Mechanisms Undoing

Actions or words designed to cancel some disapproved thoughts, impulses , or acts in which the person relieves GUILT by making reparation