Defense Mechanisms

An overemphasis on thinking to cope with painful thoughts, emotions or impulses. The situation is viewed without emotion – in a detached objective manner.

​ ​ ​ ​ (a)  

• INTELLECTUALIZATION
• DENIAL
• DISPLACEMENT
• PROJECTION
• RATIONALIZATION
• REACTION FORMATION
• REGRESSION
• REPRESSION
• SUBLIMATION
• SUPPRESSION

Answer explanation

Cognitive distancing is a coping strategy used to manage difficult thoughts, emotions, or impulses. It involves reframing the situation in a more detached, objective way, and focusing on the facts and logic of the situation rather than the emotional aspects. This can help to reduce the intensity of the emotions and provide a more balanced perspective. It can also help to reduce the risk of making decisions based on emotion rather than logic.

Redirecting negative thoughts, emotions, or behaviors onto a neutral person or object.

​ (a)  

• DISPLACEMENT
• DENIAL
• REACTION FORMATION
• REGRESSION
• REPRESSION
• SUBLIMATION
• INTELLECTUALIZATION
• PROJECTION
• RATIONALIZATION
• SUPPRESSION

Answer explanation

Displacement is a defense mechanism used to cope with uncomfortable or overwhelming emotions. It involves redirecting negative thoughts, emotions, or behaviors onto a neutral person or object. This can be done in an attempt to avoid dealing with the source of the negative feelings. For example, a person may be angry with their boss but instead of expressing their anger, they may take it out on a family member or pet. Displacement can also be used to express emotions that are socially unacceptable, such as aggression or sexual desire.

Taking something positive or negative of ourselves and seeing it on another. It usually involves ​feelings or thoughts we find unacceptable.

​ (a)  

• PROJECTION
• DENIAL
• DISPLACEMENT
• RATIONALIZATION
• REACTION FORMATION
• REGRESSION
• REPRESSION
• SUBLIMATION
• INTELLECTUALIZATION
• SUPPRESSION

Answer explanation

Projection is a psychological defense mechanism in which we attribute our own thoughts, feelings, or attitudes onto someone else. It is a way of avoiding our own uncomfortable feelings or thoughts by projecting them onto someone else. For example, if we feel guilty about something, we may project that guilt onto someone else and accuse them of being guilty instead. Projection can also be used to explain why we may be attracted to certain people or why we may be repelled by them.

Reframing an uncomfortable or painful experience as not problematic or upsetting. Used to diminish pain or guilt.

​ (a)  

• RATIONALIZATION
• DENIAL
• DISPLACEMENT
• REACTION FORMATION
• REGRESSION
• REPRESSION
• SUBLIMATION
• INTELLECTUALIZATION
• PROJECTION
• SUPPRESSION

Answer explanation

Reframing is a cognitive technique used to help people view a situation from a different perspective. It involves looking at a situation in a different way, often in a more positive light, in order to reduce the emotional distress associated with it. Reframing can be used to help people cope with difficult emotions, such as guilt, shame, and anger, by helping them to see the situation in a different way. It can also be used to help people gain insight into their own behavior and to develop new strategies for dealing with difficult situations.

A healthy redirection of an unaccepted emotion, thought or impulse into a more acceptable direction.

​ (a)  

• SUBLIMATION
• DENIAL
• DISPLACEMENT
• RATIONALIZATION
• REGRESSION
• INTELLECTUALIZATION
• PROJECTION
• REPRESSION
• REACTION FORMATION
• SUPPRESSION

Answer explanation

Emotional redirection is a technique used to help people manage their emotions in a more constructive way. It involves recognizing and acknowledging an emotion, thought, or impulse that is not acceptable, and then redirecting it into a more positive direction. This can be done by focusing on a different thought or activity, or by engaging in a calming activity such as deep breathing or meditation. By redirecting the emotion, thought, or impulse, the individual can gain control over their emotions and learn to manage them in a healthier way.

Placing an unacceptable thought, emotion or experience out of awareness and into the unconscious where it is “forgotten”.

​ (a)  

• REPRESSION
• DENIAL
• DISPLACEMENT
• RATIONALIZATION
• REACTION FORMATION
• REGRESSION
• SUBLIMATION
• INTELLECTUALIZATION
• PROJECTION
• SUPPRESSION

Answer explanation

Repression is a psychological defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously pushes away thoughts, memories, and feelings that are too difficult to cope with. It is a way of protecting oneself from overwhelming emotions or traumatic experiences. Repression is a way of avoiding the conscious awareness of these thoughts, memories, and feelings, and instead pushing them into the unconscious mind.

Exhibiting the exact opposite of a reaction we find too threatening to feel or experience.

​ (a)  

• REACTION FORMATION
• DENIAL
• DISPLACEMENT
• RATIONALIZATION
• REGRESSION
• SUBLIMATION
• INTELLECTUALIZATION
• PROJECTION
• REPRESSION
• SUPPRESSION

Answer explanation

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously replaces an unwanted or anxiety-provoking impulse with its opposite, often expressed in an exaggerated or showy way. A classic example is a young boy who bullies a young girl because, on a subconscious level, he's attracted to her.

Consciously choosing to block ideas or impulses that are undesirable, as opposed to repression, a subconscious process.

​ (a)  

• SUPPRESSION
• DENIAL
• DISPLACEMENT
• RATIONALIZATION
• REGRESSION
• INTELLECTUALIZATION
• PROJECTION
• REPRESSION
• REACTION FORMATION
• SUBLIMATION

Answer explanation

Suppression is the conscious act of controlling or inhibiting certain thoughts, feelings, or impulses. It is a conscious effort to keep certain thoughts or feelings from becoming conscious. This is in contrast to repression, which is an unconscious process of pushing unwanted thoughts or feelings out of conscious awareness. Suppression is a voluntary act, while repression is an involuntary act. Suppression can be used to manage anxiety, anger, or other uncomfortable emotions, while repression is often used to cope with traumatic experiences.

Refusal to accept an aspect of reality that is threatening or painful.

​ (a)  

• DENIAL
• DISPLACEMENT
• RATIONALIZATION
• REGRESSION
• INTELLECTUALIZATION
• PROJECTION
• REPRESSION
• REACTION FORMATION
• SUBLIMATION
• SUPPRESSION

Answer explanation

Denial is a defense mechanism used by people to avoid accepting a reality that is too difficult or painful to accept. It is a way of avoiding the truth by rejecting or refusing to believe it. Denial can be used to cope with a traumatic event, a difficult situation, or even an unpleasant emotion. It can also be used to protect oneself from feeling overwhelmed or overwhelmed by a situation.

Moving to an earlier stage of development when confronted with unacceptable circumstance.

​ (a)  

• REGRESSION
• DISPLACEMENT
• RATIONALIZATION
• INTELLECTUALIZATION
• PROJECTION
• REPRESSION
• REACTION FORMATION
• SUBLIMATION
• SUPPRESSION
• DENIAL

Answer explanation

Regression is a psychological term used to describe a defense mechanism in which an individual reverts to an earlier stage of development in response to unacceptable circumstances. It is a coping mechanism used to deal with anxiety or overwhelming stress. It is a way of retreating from reality and seeking comfort in behaviors or thought patterns that were once used in earlier stages of development. Examples of regression include thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, and clinging to parents.