Defense mechanisms are psychological tools that the individual uses unconsciously to protect themselves from situations that may be threatening to their emotional balance. These mechanisms act as automatic strategies to reduce anxiety and protect self-esteem. Although they are usually useful in the short term, their excessive use can result in long-term problems in mental health and interpersonal relationships.
Types of mechanisms defense
1. Denial
Denial is one of the best-known defense mechanisms and consists of rejecting the reality of an unpleasant situation. People who use this mechanism tend to deny the existence of problems or negative emotions, which allows them to avoid facing them.
2. Repression
Repression involves blocking painful thoughts, emotions or memories from the conscious. These elements are relegated to the unconscious, where they cannot cause anxiety, but they continue to influence the individual's behavior.
3. Projection
In projection, a person attributes his or her own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or desires to another person. This mechanism allows the individual to maintain their positive self-image by considering that these negative aspects are not their own, but those of others.
4. Rationalization
Rationalization involves finding logical and acceptable justifications for behaviors, thoughts or decisions that are actually irrational or unacceptable. Through this mechanism, the person convinces himself that he is right and that his behavior is appropriate.
5. Regression
Regression consists of the return to more infantile or immature patterns of behavior in situations of stress or anxiety. This mechanism allows the individual to seek protection and emotional comfort in behaviors that were comforting in previous stages of their life.
6. Reactive Training
Reactive training involves the expression of a behavior opposite to an impulse or desire not accepted by the individual. For example, a person experiencing intense jealousy may display overly friendly behavior to hide his or her true feelings.
7. Sublimation
Sublimation involves channeling unacceptable impulses or emotions into socially accepted and valued activities. For example, a person with aggressive impulses may engage in competitive sports to release that energy in a positive way.
8. Compensation
Compensation involves overcoming perceived deficiencies in one area of life through excellence in another area. For example, a person who feels insecure may excel in his or her job performance to compensate for that feeling of inferiority.
9. Dissociation
Dissociation involves a temporary disconnection from thoughts, emotions, sensations, or memories that are overwhelming or too painful. This disconnection can manifest itself in forms such as dissociative amnesia or depersonalization.
10. Displacement
Displacement consists of redirecting an impulse or emotion towards an object or person different from the original one. For example, a person who is reprimanded at work may go home and vent his frustration with a family member, instead of confronting the initial problem.
It is important to note that defense mechanisms vary in their adaptability and its impact on psychological well-being. While some, such as sublimation, can be beneficial by promoting the controlled expression of impulses, others, such as denial or repression, can have long-term negative consequences.
In summary, defense mechanisms They are psychological tools that we use unconsciously to protect ourselves from anxiety and preserve our self-image. Recognizing the presence of these mechanisms in our behavior can be the first step to developing greater awareness of ourselves and our deep motivations.