Entry #6 Defense Mechanisms
A defense mechanism is an unconscious psychological operation to relieve our feelings of anxiety. The ego, usually conscious, resorts to unconscious strivings to protect the itself from being overwhelmed by anxiety. When we use defense mechanisms, we are unaware that we are using them.
I will briefly discuss 5 defense mechanisms
Denial
Denial is the refusal to accept reality or fact, acting as if a painful event never existed.
Reaction Formation
Reaction formation is the converting of unwanted or dangerous thoughts or feelings into their opposites. For example, a parent who unconsciously resents a child spoils the child with gifts.
Projection
Projection is one that a lot of people are aware of. It is the misattribution of a person's feelings and undesired thoughts onto another person who does not have those feelings or thoughts.
Regression is the reversion to an earlier stage of development when in the face of unacceptable thoughts or impulses. For example, an adult has a temper tantrum when he doesn't get his way.
Rationalization
Rationalization is offering a false or plausible explanation to justify unacceptable behavior. For example, a person who steals from a store may justify it to himself by saying "they expect people to steal. That's why they have insurance."
I'm sure you can relate to at least one of these mechanism. We tend to use them to protect our ego and distort reality when we are uncomfortable or anxious.
Dang very eye opening! I myself do a few of these sometimes routinely, I can use this to realize when I am doing this and be a better person and communicate better.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog! I'll be honest - I have done a few of these things without realizing it. This seems like something everyone has done before and is still doing. However, we can only improve and grow as individuals.
ReplyDeleteHey, Vi. Your four new blogs are looking pretty good. You have pretty nice layout and visual appeal, and you are working to develop your content to move more deeply into the significance of the topic and ways it connects to your reader. Keep pushing yourself to say more by writing more. You feel a bit brief at times. Don't stop short. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI definitely do all of these methods even if I don’t want to, it’s subconscious some times. I feel like often I don’t notice when I’m upset and the method I’m using is affecting the people around me usually my mom or boyfriend.
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