Ego Defense Mechanism--------;;;

:- 1. Compensation 2. Rationalization 3. Projection 4. Identification 5. Substitution 6.

Sublimation 7. Repression 8. Regression 9. Negativism 10. Sympathism 11. Withdrawal 12.
Fantasy or Day-Dreaming 13. Reaction Formation 14. Introjection 15. Acting Out.

Defense Mechanism # 1. Compensation:

When an individual attempts to make up for a deficiency by directing his energies to some other
aspects of his personality in which no deficiency exists, he is using the mechanism of
compensation. For example, an academically weak student may perform very well in sports or
cultural activities.

Defense Mechanism # 2. Rationalization:

This is one of the most popular mechanisms used by us. The individual who has been frustrated
or who cannot solve his problem successfully and as a result feels restless tries to lessen his
feelings of guilt and anxiety by using this device. He behaves and reacts in a certain way in
response to frustration and instead of justifying his actions by real and true reasons, gives
different reasons.

Defense Mechanism # 3. Projection:

We often attribute to others for our own shortcomings, desires or moral defects as a means of
lessening our sense of guilt or inadequacy. For example, a person given to the habit of lying
may say that all in the world are liars.

Defense Mechanism # 4. Identification:

It is an adjustment mechanism which enables one to achieve satisfaction from the success of
other people, groups or organizations. For example, boys often identify with their fathers and
girls, with their mothers. Another example, students often identify with their favourite teacher
and modify their behaviour in accordance with the latter.

Defense Mechanism # 5. Substitution:

This is an adjustment mechanism in which original goals or desires are substituted by others.
The original goals are difficult to achieve, and an attempt at achieving them may end in failure
then the individual tries to lessen the effects of actual failure, by setting a new modest goal
which is easier to attain. For example, a boy who cannot go to a medical college for lack of
funds or sufficient merit, may opt to go for an evening course in X-ray technology.

Defense Mechanism # 6. Sublimation:

It is a form of mechanism of substitution in which our acceptable desires or activities are
redirected into socially desirable channels. For example, a business man who has been angry
over certain events of the day may redirect his energies into games, gardening or any other
manual work.

Thus he channels his negative emotions into a more desirable form of behaviour. It needs to be
noted, however, that sublimation becomes possible only if the training and education have been
good, and facilities for sublimation along with suitable potentialities are present in the milieu.

Defense Mechanism # 7. Repression (Selective Forgetting):

Repression is often referred to as selective forgetting. It is the most useful defence mechanism
in helping the individual in controlling his dangerous desires and minimizing the threat by
preventing unpleasant thoughts from becoming conscious. Repression tries to keep unpleasant
information out of conscious awareness.

Defense Mechanism # 8. Regression:

Some people do not meet the problems of life, its stress and strain in a mature way. They revert
to an infantile or childish level of behaviour, and thus avoid the pain of suffering a conflict or
tension. This mode of behaviour is called regression. It always implies a form of behaviour that
is less mature than what is expected of the individual.

Defense Mechanism # 9. Negativism:

Some individuals react to stress situations by turning negative. This means they refuse to attack
the problem or obstacle which confronts them. Instead, they become contradictory, stubborn
and rebellious. They become uncooperative and do the opposite of what is to be done.
Defense Mechanism # 10. Sympathism:
Here the individual avoids the necessity of solving his problems by obtaining the sympathy of
others. Many persons get contented if they can turn to someone for sympathy. They try to gain
attention and secure expressions of concern over their difficulties.

Defense Mechanism # 11. Withdrawal:

Some people tend to withdraw from the situation which causes them difficulty. They do
everything in their power to keep away from psychologically demanding situations. Failure and
criticism make them timid and insecure.

For example, a student who is afraid of achieving success in social relationships may shun the
company of other students. He may remain at home or by himself and may refuse to participate
in sports or social gatherings.

Defense Mechanism # 12. Fantasy or Day-Dreaming:

Day-dreaming is a kind of withdrawal. Many of resort to it when we are face-to-face with tough
problems in life. Instead of trying to solve those problems in a realistic manner, we withdraw
ourselves into a world of fantasy, where we need not face failure and we succeed in every
undertaking of ours.
Defense Mechanism # 13. Reaction Formation:
Here the individual develops conscious attitudes and behaviour patterns which are just the
opposite of the real ones. Reaction formation reduces anxiety by cultivating the opposite feeling,
impulse or behaviour. Treating someone you strongly dislike, in an excessively courteous
manner in order to hide your true feelings is an example of reaction formation.

Defense Mechanism # 14. Introjection:

This involves an acceptance of others’ values and norms of society as one’s own. In introjection,
the individual incorporates the external demands and accepts them.

Defense Mechanism # 15. Acting Out:

This is a reaction that reduces the tension and anxiety by actually permitting the expression. For
example, a person who is angry may hit the person who caused him the anger. But in most
circumstances, acting out is as good as impossible because of social mores and social
expectations.

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