Defence mechanism
Defence Mechanism
Defence Mechanism (pronounced: de-fence me-ka-nizm) is a psychological strategy brought into play by various entities to cope with reality and to maintain self-image. The term was first used in psychoanalytic theory to denote the processes by which the ego defends itself against unpleasant impulses or circumstances.
Etymology
The term "Defence Mechanism" is derived from the field of psychology. The word "defence" comes from the Old French defens, meaning "to protect", and "mechanism" comes from the Latin mechanismus, meaning "a mechanical contrivance".
Types of Defence Mechanisms
There are several types of defence mechanisms. These include:
- Denial: This is a defence mechanism in which a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept and rejects it instead, insisting that it is not true despite what may be overwhelming evidence.
- Repression: This is the process of pushing distressing memories out of the conscious mind.
- Projection: This involves individuals attributing their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings and motives to another person.
- Displacement: This involves taking out our frustrations, feelings, and impulses on people or objects that are less threatening.
- Sublimation: This is a mature type of defence mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses or idealizations are unconsciously transformed into socially acceptable actions or behaviour.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Defence mechanism
- Wikipedia's article - Defence mechanism
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