Psych@KCHS: Defense Mechanisms

Reverting back to immature behavior from an earlier stage of development

• Repression

• Regression

• Projection

• Displacement

Acting in exactly the opposite way to one’s unacceptable impulses

• Sublimation
• Projection
• Reaction Formation
• Rationalization

Soldiers exposed to traumatic experiences in concentration camps during wartime sometimes had amnesia and were unable to recall any part of their ordeal.

• Regression
• Rationalization
• Intellectualization
• Repression

Mike is always trying to impress his pals with how strong and independent he has become. However, when Mike has social or emotional problems, he still wants his dad to figure out the solution.

• Rationalization
• Sublimation
• Regression
• Repression

A student forgot that his dreaded final exam in geometry was scheduled for Friday. This seemed unusual as the date of the exam had been marked on his calendar for several weeks.

• Regression
• Sublimation
• Reaction Formation
• Repression

Lucas really hates his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend, but when he sees him at the basketball court he pretends they are bros. 

• reaction formation
• denial
• displacement
• projection

This situation is a good example of which defense mechanism? "Stomping your feet and slamming your bedroom door after you and your parents get into a fight."

• Denial
• Compensation
• Reaction Formation
• Regression

Attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings and thoughts to others and not yourself

• sublimation
• projection
• rationalization
• reaction formation

Mrs. Brown often accuses other women of talking too much and spreading rumors. It is rather obvious to those who know her that she is revealing her own inclinations in that area.

• regression

• repression

• projection

• rationalization

Mrs. James can’t understand why her husband has been so grumpy and irritable for the past week. It certainly isn’t her fault that he didn’t receive the anticipated promotion at the factory. What defense mechanism is her husband using?

• Projection

• Denial

• Displacement

• Rationalization