1.      Repressionis the process of involuntarily removing unacceptable thoughts, impulses and feelings from consciousness. When this mechanism becomes insufficient, distortion comes into play so that it is not so painful to realize something.

Usually works in combination with displacement, which contributes to the emergence of phobias. For example, a mother’s fear that her son will get sick is a defense against a hostile attitude towards the boy, which combines repression and displacement. When conversion is added to repression, somatic symbolization occurs, which underlies hysterical reactions.

2. Suppression is based on excluding from consciousness the meanings of a traumatic experience and the emotions associated with it. It develops to hold on to fear, which is unacceptable for positive self-esteem, and also threatens the possibility of becoming dependent on whoever is the aggressor.  The fact of a negative experience is, as it were, hidden from oneself. Fear is blocked by forgetting the stimulus that caused the fear and everything that is associated with it (objects, facts, circumstances) 

3. Regression is a return to earlier or immature forms of behavior or satisfaction of needs in a problem situation. It can be complete, partial or symbolic. Emotional problems often have features of regression. It develops in order to contain the feeling of self-doubt and fear of failure, which are associated with initiative and, as a consequence, feelings of guilt due to failure (“I’m small and you should help me.” Accordingly, the problem is solved by asking for help. This also includes mechanisms of motor activity (involuntary movements) to reduce anxiety associated with forbidden impulses without guilt.

4. Projection - the transfer of thoughts, feelings, desires and motives rejected at a conscious level to another person or object. Projection develops in order to contain the feeling of rejection of oneself and others that appears as a result of rejection. It is needed to overcome the fear of non-acceptance that arises when others reject you. Negative qualities are attributed to people around them as a rational explanation for not accepting them and thus accepting oneself on the basis of this. (“if the bad guy doesn’t like me, then I’m good”)

5. Introjection is the symbolic inclusion of an object or person, which is the opposite of projection. For early development, this is an important mechanism, since it is with the help of introjection that the ideals and values of parents are learned.  When you lose loved ones, this mechanism is activated, thus erasing the differences between your personality and the object of love. Often, instead of aggression against a person, self-flagellation occurs, since the accused has gone through introjection, which often happens during depression.

6. Rationalization is finding excuses for unacceptable thoughts, feelings, impulses or behavior. This is the most common defense mechanism, because we explain our behavior with the most acceptable motives. Since this process occurs unconsciously, it is not a conscious deception. This way we maintain self-respect and avoid guilt and responsibility. Since there is always truth in rationalization, it is dangerous due to its self-deception.

7. Intellectualization - excessive use of the intellect to remove feelings and experiences. It is associated with rationalization and replaces the experience of feelings with thinking about these feelings (talking about love instead of love).

8. Compensation is a mechanism for overcoming imaginary or real shortcomings. This is the latest defense mechanism that develops when the formation of basic mental structures occurs.  The compensation mechanism is used consciously through the desire to achieve results in some selected activities or self-improvement. It helps to overcome the fear of loss, to survive the grief of loss and sadness.

9. Reactive formations - replace feelings and impulses that are unacceptable to consciousness (especially those related to sex and aggression) through the development of behavior or attitude that is opposite in meaning. This mechanism is associated with the assimilation of “highest moral (social) values” by a person and develops to restrain the emotion of joy in owning something valuable (for example, your body) and the ability to use it (for example, for sex and aggression). The mechanism is realized through the exact opposite behavior (hypocrisy, excessive care, etc.). In this case, a desire that is unacceptable is first repressed and only then its antipode is strengthened. For example, hostility may be hidden behind excessive care.

10. Denial of a reality that is painful for awareness (needs, feelings, desires and thoughts). This mechanism develops to restrain the acceptance of others if they show rejection. That is, the person behaves as if the problem does not exist at all. This mechanism is inherent in children (if I close my eyes, reality will disappear). Adults resort to this mechanism in acute crisis situations (fatal illness, impending death, loss of loved ones)

11. Replacement is the redirection of emotions from one object to another, more acceptable one. A common example of aggression against a boss is aggression against family members. Substitution manifests itself when anxiety and fear hidden in an unconscious conflict are transferred to some external object or person.

12. Sublimation - relieving internal tension through redirection to achieve the goal. Any unacceptable impulses are thus transformed into constructive creative activity.

If you understand the protection mechanism and how they work  you have more control and management of these processes.

I invite you for self-exploration in psychotherapy online or in person in Kyiv. To schedule a consultation, click the button below.

Take action and you will succeed!