COMMON DEFENSE MECHANISMS
Read a description of each defense mechanism and write a brief example of it in the space provided
Defense Mechanism
Description
Repression
Motivated forgetting; keeping disturbing thoughts and
feelings in the unconscious.
Denial
Refusing to believe something because it causes anxiety or
pain.
Rationalization
Asserting that one’s illogical behavior is rational or good.
Displacement
Redirection of feelings (often anger) from the real target to
someone or something else that is less threatening.
Projection
Attributing one’s own unacceptable impulses, thoughts,
feelings, motives, or characteristics to someone else.
Reaction Formation
Behaving in a way that is the exact opposite of what one
really feels.
Regression
Reverting to child-like or juvenile behavior to avoid a
threatening circumstance.
Sublimation
Behaving in a socially acceptable or constructive manner
in order to disguise or redirect unacceptable behavior.
Example