MECHANISMS OF RESOLVING CONFLICT

Defense Mechanisms in Psychology

1. Repression

Definition: Unconsciously blocking unpleasant thoughts, memories, or feelings.

Example: A person forgets about a traumatic event from their childhood.

2. Denial

Definition: Refusing to accept reality or facts.

Example: A smoker insists that smoking doesn’t harm their health despite evidence.

3. Projection

Definition: Attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else.

Example: A person who dislikes their coworker believes the coworker dislikes them instead.

4. Displacement

Definition: Redirecting emotions to a safer target.

Example: After an argument with their boss, a person yells at their dog.

5. Rationalization

Definition: Creating logical reasons for behavior driven by unconscious motives.

Example: A student blames a bad grade on the teacher’s unfair questions rather than their lack of study.

6. Sublimation

Definition: Channeling unacceptable impulses into constructive activities.

Example: A person with aggressive tendencies takes up boxing as a sport.

7. Regression

Definition: Reverting to behavior from an earlier stage of development.

Example: An adult throws a tantrum when they don’t get their way.

8. Reaction Formation

Definition: Acting in the opposite way to unacceptable thoughts or feelings.

Example: A person who dislikes their coworker is overly kind to them.

9. Intellectualization

Definition: Focusing on logic and facts to avoid emotional distress.

Example: A person diagnosed with an illness spends time researching rather than addressing their emotions.

10. Compensation

Definition: Overemphasizing strengths to cover perceived weaknesses.

Example: Someone who feels insecure socially focuses on excelling in academics.

11. Isolation of Affect

Definition: Separating emotions from thoughts or events.

Example: Describing a traumatic event in a calm, detached tone.

12. Undoing

Definition: Attempting to cancel out a thought or behavior by doing the opposite.

Example: After being rude to someone, a person gives them a gift.

13. Identification

Definition: Adopting the behavior or values of someone else.

Example: A child imitates a favorite teacher’s habits and speech.

14. Sympathizing

Definition: Understanding and sharing another’s emotions to show support.

Example: Comforting a friend who lost their job by listening and empathizing with their feelings.

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