defense mechanisms intro

quality of self-deception,

two chief forms denial and disguise

denial of impulses, memories or actions

1. amnesia
the memory is hidden by repressive mechanisms
motives anxiety or guilt

disguise = the second form of self-deception
motives + to maintain or enhance self-esteem
motives – escape or defend against anxiety

2. rationalization
liking or disliking as an excuse
blaming circumstances and other people
necessity as an excuse

3. projection
protect ourselves from undesirable qualities
projection is really a form of rationalization

4. reaction-formation
overprotection, overindulgence
anti-activities

5. dissociation
a. compulsive movements
mannerisms, gestures, tics, rituals, blepharo-spasm, blinking
b. excessive theorizing, intellectualization
as a substitute for action

6. repression
a. amnesia repression vs suppression
b. indirect expression symbolism

7. substitution
a. sublimation
b. compensation and overcompensation

(8) displacement = indirect aggression
scapegoating (zondebok)
prejudice against minority groups

(9) regression
a. retrogression
b. primitivation