Freud's 12 Defense Mechanisms
09/07/2012 Freud’s Defense Mechanisms Juan E. Choque
1. - Acting Out
To behave in a way similar to when you act by impulse or natural instinct. An example is drug use because when people are high, they act like if that was normal for them, like if that was natural.
2. - Altruism
It’s when you are worried / concerned about other’s well-being more than yours. An example is when you do something for your friend that you know is going to help him or make him better, but you might get in trouble or affected by it.
3. - Anticipation
Preparation for future events with enough time to make it perfect, planning. An example is when parents create a big expectative planning their daughter’s sweet 16 but when the day arrives, they don’t enjoy it that much.
4. - Denial
Refusal to accept reality and the negative effect it brings. An example is any alcoholic that doesn’t accept that alcohol is the cause of all his problems.
5. - Displacement
Aggression towards someone or something that isn’t the cause of it or has nothing to do with it. A clear example would be when your mom arrives from a bad day at work and she begins yelling at you or getting mad. Not your fault!
6. - Distortion
When you shape reality differently in order to meet your needs. An example is when you convince yourself that you are going to do a bad musical performance so when it arrives you don’t feel like surprised or deeply affected by it.
7. - Fantasy
Creative imagination. Example is when you dream about something so much that it affects your functioning in real world.
8. - Humor
Funniness, a quality that makes something laughable or hilarious. Jokes, laughs, etc. Especially those that are used to make something or someone feel better than what it really is in reality.
9.- Hypochondriasis
When negative feelings are changed into pain instead of expressing them. An example is when you get an type of illness.
10. - Idealization
To unconsciously think that someone else has better qualities than he / she
1. - Acting Out
To behave in a way similar to when you act by impulse or natural instinct. An example is drug use because when people are high, they act like if that was normal for them, like if that was natural.
2. - Altruism
It’s when you are worried / concerned about other’s well-being more than yours. An example is when you do something for your friend that you know is going to help him or make him better, but you might get in trouble or affected by it.
3. - Anticipation
Preparation for future events with enough time to make it perfect, planning. An example is when parents create a big expectative planning their daughter’s sweet 16 but when the day arrives, they don’t enjoy it that much.
4. - Denial
Refusal to accept reality and the negative effect it brings. An example is any alcoholic that doesn’t accept that alcohol is the cause of all his problems.
5. - Displacement
Aggression towards someone or something that isn’t the cause of it or has nothing to do with it. A clear example would be when your mom arrives from a bad day at work and she begins yelling at you or getting mad. Not your fault!
6. - Distortion
When you shape reality differently in order to meet your needs. An example is when you convince yourself that you are going to do a bad musical performance so when it arrives you don’t feel like surprised or deeply affected by it.
7. - Fantasy
Creative imagination. Example is when you dream about something so much that it affects your functioning in real world.
8. - Humor
Funniness, a quality that makes something laughable or hilarious. Jokes, laughs, etc. Especially those that are used to make something or someone feel better than what it really is in reality.
9.- Hypochondriasis
When negative feelings are changed into pain instead of expressing them. An example is when you get an type of illness.
10. - Idealization
To unconsciously think that someone else has better qualities than he / she