MEH
2.1 & 2.2
Objective 2.1
 Evaluate the uses of defense mechanisms is terms of
whether they are healthy or unhealthy
Defense Mechanisms
 Defense mechanisms are behaviors that an individual
might use to cope with an uncomfortable situation or
problem.
Defense Mechanisms
 Compensation
 A person tries to make up for his/ her weaknesses by
developing strengths in other areas.
 Daydreaming
 A person escapes unpleasant, boring, or frustrating
situations by imagining that he or she is doing
something else.
Defense Mechanisms
 Denial
 Refusal to accept reality.
 Displacement
 A person transfers the emotions he or she feels from the
original situation or object to another situation or
object.
 Humor
 A person focuses on the funny aspects of a painful
situation.
Defense Mechanisms
 Identification
 A person tries to assume the qualities of someone that is
admired.
 Projection
 A person shifts the blame and/or responsibility for
his/her actions or thoughts to another person.
 Rationalization
 An attempt to justify one’s actions with an excuse rather
than by admitting one’s failure or mistake.
Defense Mechanisms
 Regression
 Retreating to an earlier time that seems less threatening
and requires less responsibility.
 Repression
 Blocking out thoughts about unpleasant things or
experiences. Repression is actually an unconscious
method of escaping something unpleasant.
Defense Mechanisms
 Sublimation
 Transforming unacceptable behaviors into acceptable
ones. Sublimation can involve redirecting specific
behaviors.
 Suppression
 The effort to hide and control unacceptable thoughts
and feelings.
Objective 2.2
 Critque personal use of structured thinking to enhance
emotional well-being (based on appropriateness,
effectiveness, and consistency).
8 Steps to Healthy Decisions
1) Identify the problem.
2) Gather relevant information.
3) Consider the alternatives
4) Assess positive and negative consequences.
5) Determine who is affected by the decision.
6) Determine who is influencing the decision.
7) Make an informed decision.
8) Evaluate the decision.