Question

According to Freud, individuals avoid anxiety by using mechanisms that protect the eco by distorting reality. What are these mechanisms called? Explain its different kinds with the help of examples.

Answer 1

The defense mechanism is how ego subconsciously tries to deal with unreasonable libidinous desires and resolve conflicts, as claimed by Dr. Sigmund Freud. It is done by unconsciously distorting reality, providing temporary relief, but excessive usage leads to maladjustment. It is different from lying because lying is intentional but use of defense mechanism is unconscious.

There are several important defence mechanisms, namely: 

1. Repression: In this, the unconscious rejects activities or thoughts that cause worry. Repression of emotion occurs when someone suppresses a feeling or desire and completely loses awareness of it. For instance, a youngster who experienced abuse as a child may struggle to form relationships because he has suppressed his memories.

2. Projection: People make assumptions about other people's characteristics, attitudes, or subjective processes. It is blaming others for one's issues, concerns, and guilt. For instance, a student who performs poorly on a test may accuse the instructor of being unfair or attribute their poor performance to bad luck.

3. Denial: It is when a person refuses to accept the reality. If an individual finds any situation too much to handless he may refuse to experience it.
   E.g., smokers may refuse to admit that smoking harms their health.
4. Rationalisation: A person tries to make outrageous thoughts or actions seem rational and appropriate. It essentially leverages the "sour grape phenomenon" and makes convincing reasons. For example, if a student struggles academically, he may blame the instructor for the poor quality of the lesson plan.
5. Reaction formation: In this, a person fights anxiety by acting in ways that oppose their feelings. For example, a person with intense sexual impulses may channel that energy into fervour for religion.