Personal survival mechanisms are psychological strategies that people develop to cope with stressful and threatening situations in their lives. These mechanisms can be adaptive and useful in certain circumstances, but they can also become dysfunctional and detrimental to the individual in the long term. In this article we will explore why these dysfunctional personal survival mechanisms arise and how they affect people's mental and emotional health.
Origin of personal survival mechanisms Dysfunctional
Dysfunctional personal survival mechanisms usually originate in childhood, as a response to traumatic or adverse experiences that the individual has experienced. These experiences may include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, parental divorce, among others.
Children are especially vulnerable to these stressful events, and may develop coping mechanisms to protect yourself emotionally and psychologically. For example, a child who has experienced emotional abuse from his parents may develop denial, denying the reality of what is happening to protect his self-esteem and reduce anxiety.
In addition, genetics and the family environment also play an important role in the emergence of dysfunctional coping mechanisms. If a child grows up in an environment where parents use unhealthy coping strategies, the child is more likely to learn to adopt those same strategies to deal with stressful situations in his or her life.
Types of Personal Coping Mechanisms Dysfunctional
Denial
Denial is a defense mechanism that involves rejecting or minimizing the reality of a stressful situation. People who use denial often deceive themselves to avoid facing the uncomfortable or painful truth. For example, a person who has been diagnosed with a serious illness may deny the severity of their condition and refuse necessary treatment.
Projection
Projection is another common defense mechanism, in which people attribute their own unwanted thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to other people. For example, someone who has difficulty controlling their anger may project that anger onto others, accusing them of being the cause of their emotional distress.
Rationalization
Rationalization involves finding logical explanations. or reasonable for behaviors or situations that would otherwise be unacceptable. People who use rationalization seek to justify their actions using seemingly logical arguments, even if they are actually irrational or unhealthy. For example, someone who has a gambling problem may rationalize his losses by saying that he is investing in his future.
Displacement
Displacement is a defense mechanism in which a person redirects their impulses or emotions towards an object or person less threatening than the origin of said impulses. For example, a person who is angry with his boss may displace that anger onto his partner or children, feeling that it is safer to express his frustration with them.
Impact of dysfunctional personal coping mechanisms
While personal survival mechanisms can be useful in the short term to protect the individual from threatening situations, in the long term they can have negative consequences for mental and emotional health. The repeated use of these dysfunctional mechanisms can lead to problems such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addictions and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
In addition, the constant use of defense mechanisms It can hinder the process of self-knowledge and self-acceptance, since the person avoids facing their true thoughts and emotions. This can generate a distancing from oneself and a disconnection from reality, which in turn hinders the person's ability to face life's challenges in a healthy way.
Addressing survival mechanisms Dysfunctional personal survival mechanisms
It is important to recognize and address dysfunctional personal survival mechanisms in order to work on overcoming them and promote optimal mental and emotional health. Some strategies that can help in this process include:
Psychological therapy
Psychological therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, can be very useful in identifying and modifying defense mechanisms. dysfunctional. A trained psychologist or therapist can provide tools and techniques to help the person understand and manage their thoughts and emotions in a healthier way.
Self-knowledge and self-acceptance
Work on self-knowledge and Self-acceptance is essential to overcoming dysfunctional personal survival mechanisms. This involves actively exploring one's own thoughts, emotions and motivations, and accepting them without judgment. Meditation, mindfulness, and therapeutic writing can be helpful practices in this regard.
Social support
Having a strong social support system can be a great help in coping and overcoming dysfunctional defense mechanisms. Support from friends, family, or support groups can provide the understanding, encouragement, and motivation needed to work on personal and emotional change.
Conclusion
Personal survival mechanisms Dysfunctional drugs can arise as a form of protection against stressful or traumatic situations, but their prolonged use can have negative consequences for the person's mental and emotional health. Recognizing and addressing these mechanisms is essential to promote optimal psychological well-being and a full and satisfying life. Through therapy, self-knowledge and social support, it is possible to transform these dysfunctional mechanisms into healthier and more adaptive strategies that promote personal growth and emotional resilience.